QuestionHi
I found out that I am 5 pregnant only 3 weeks ago due to there being no symptoms of pregnancy. I got my period every month when I should have and when an at home pregnancy was done there was a negative result.
The only way my doctor found that I was pregnant was by blood tests when I went to see him with severe pains in my lower left side. I under went an ultrasound and that is when I found out. I was told by my doctor that it was not a period I was experiencing. I have a low laying placenta and that has been the cause of the bleeding. I don't understand how I could be having this bleeding at the same time every month when my period is due, shouldn't it be something that is spontaneous?
My biggest concern is that since that I had no knowledge of the pregnancy I continued my usual life style of a typical 21 yr old. I went on holidays on late January early February and for the 9 days I was away only 2 of them were spent sober. After my return from them I continued my usually lifestyle of going out most weekends drinking. So has this effected the health and wellbeing of my baby?
My doctor has skirted around the subject.
AnswerAlthough purity in pregnancy is pushed to the point of obsession in our society today, the fact is that, with any substance, the dose makes the poison. Occasional drinking is not going to cause serious damage to an unborn baby. Granted, going out on a bender is still not a good idea, but based on what you've said, you were only drinking one or two nights a week through most of these first 5 months. Babies born with fetal alcohol syndrome are generally born to mothers who are alcoholics, who drink heavily on a daily basis. Again, occasional drinking is not going to hurt your baby. Keep it to one drink a week from on, or none at all if it makes you feel better, and don't beat yourself up over the past. Your baby is most likely just fine.
