Pregnancy & Alcohol: Risks and What to Do If You're Pregnant

Question
I'm 27 years old, no children. First day of last period was Dec. 2nd, but I wasn't due to start until Dec. 9th. I didn't get my period when due on the 29th, I took a pregnancy test on the 30th which was negative. I felt like I was going to start soon- I had cramps and a slight headache. Drank a few drinks on the 30th from about 9:00pm to 2:00am. I was buzzed, but not drunk. My period didn't come the next day so I took another test -still negative. Kept testing eveyday until finally on January 5th, I got a positive result. Anyways, I'm scared to death that I unknowingly harmed my baby. I've been researching online and just get mixed opinions. Some people say I shouldn't worry, but that's just because whats done is done. I just want a truthful answer. I'm so frusterated with myself. I only drink about 3 times a year and eat healthy and excercise regularly. Never thought I would be in this situation.

Answer
If you have a normal 28 day cycle, ovulation occurs on cycle day #14. If your last period started on December 2, you probably ovulated on December 15 and could have conceived if you had unprotected sex on December 14,15,16, or 17. If you did concieve on one of those days, a pregnancy test would not show a positive result until 14-21 days later. The best time to take a pregnancy test is seven days after missing your next period. You were due for your next period on December 29, so you should have taken a pregnancy test after January 4, when it is most accurate. I doubt that the few drinks you had on December 30 caused any hgarm to the pregnancy. Usually, if you "binge" drink in early pregnancy, there is a higher incidence of miscarriage, but no evidence of fetal alcohol syndrome unless you continue to drink throughout the pregnancy. However, there is no way to know how many drinks are "safe". That is why we advise against all alcohol throughout the pregnancy. You did not know that you were pregnant when you drank. Don't worry about it.