Snugglebun

I'm 20 weeks so far. I can't seem to stop drinking .I'm consumed with guilt worry and fear that I'm harming the baby and it will be born with FAS.

From the very beginning I was getting quite drunk... I didn't care. I felt pressured to have an abortion . 12 wwwks came and I wanted to keep baby.
Ever since then I've cut back but not a lot.

Has anyone else been through this? It's awful and I want to stop tho inexpert the harm is done

Venecia

Please talk to your physician as soon as possible to get help. There are programs for expectant women who have alcohol/drug problems and the sooner you can get help, the better.

ScottFromWI

Agreed. You need to see your doctor and stop drinking immediately. 2 lives depend on it.

Forward12

The first step is to stop drinking now, then give your doc a call first thing in the morning to see what can be done with possibly getting yourself into rehab or another treatment program. Drinking during pregnancy is no joke.

hope0603

Please stop u are blessed unlike i was to have children. Please dont continue to drink and harm yhe baby and yourself. Get medical help

Opivotal

Many of us found it very difficult to stop drinking on our own. Do you have any kind of support? A family Doctor to help you?

I know you feel awful, please gather your courage and get some help. You'll never regret it, unlike if you keep drinking.

I'm glad you reached out here.

MariahGayle

Glad you are reaching out for help.......please look st all avenues to stop for yourself & the little one. Love & Hugs to you

Dee74

some great advice here snugglebun. Do see your Dr,

D

PhoenixJ

Doc- yes.

AWOL

snugglebun, do you know that if you continue drinking heavily until your baby's birth, the baby can experience withdrawal symptoms in the first week of its life? You might like to read more about this is the book, "Under the Influence." Wishing you strength.

JeffreyAK

My stepdaughter drank heavily though her first pregnancy, and her son was born with fetal alcohol syndrome that was obvious. Characteristic features that even non-specialists can pick out easily. He's had a hard road, after he was taken away by the state and given up for adoption to a wonderful family who my wife and I are in regular contact with. He's had learning disabilities, coordination problems, a long list.

If you keep drinking, you may cause irreparable harm to your child and saddle him or her with life-long disabilities. If there's ever a time to get as much help as you need to stay sober, that time is right now.

Snugglebun

that is what I'm worried about, maybe ive already done harm and its too late? I absolutely want to stop, I did AA for a few years but then decided it wasn't for me, ive managed it since then and believed if I got pregnant I could stop. Ive such bad influence around me that does not help, life feels stressful and I'm consumed with guilt. I'm really unhappy and scared.

Snugglebun

Cant see what the doctor can do other than put it in my notes and ill feel more judged and more to blame if theres a problem!

noneever

I'll be blunt- if you want a baby who is healthy and well, you must stop drinking now. I've looked after babies with FAS and it's not pretty. Not to mention the long term affects on their physical and psychological development. Get to rehab, see your GP, go to AA- do something to address your drinking. It's not too late to get help.

Dee74

It's never too late I reckon,. The earlier you get help the better chance your baby has of not being affected.

I understand you're scared and I understand not wanting to be judged - but the bottom line is you're 100 percent responsible for a another life right now.

If you can't stop drinking on you're own you need help.

Not seeing a Dr because you think they can't do anything to help, would be a really sad decision for your baby and for you.

At least go and see someone, get checked out, mum and bub, and see what they suggest.

D

Gottalife

The thing is you know there is a problem. You know help is available. You know the consequences of carrying on as you are.

If you now don't get help, and the consequences materialise, who will be to blame? How will you judge yourself? How will you explain to your damaged child that you couldn't be bothered to even try? These are the things you will have to live with.

eve123

Please please do whatever u can to stop drinking now. If you can't go to doc then please try and go to your nearest Aa meeting n ask for support. It's very difficult yes but you are e dangeribg the health of your baby. U need help n support now and give your baby the best chance xx my heart goes out to you but this is serious u need help please reach out today x

Bethany57

Please please please get help. It is not too late and the sooner you stop the better. Please give this baby a chance. You will not be judged- many people have this problem....many! Please give this little one a chance. Praying for you dear friend.

ScottFromWI

The main thing your doctor can do is help you find a place to detox safely. If you aren't capable of doing it on your own, he or she can find someplace where you can. They can also help assess your physical well being and the well being of your unborn child.

You need to put blame and shame aside at this point because this is not just about you. And your choice will affect another life whether you want it to or not. Please seek help.

Mklove

Snuggle, you have made the first step, you know the importance of taking care of your baby. Maybe AA isn't the way to healing you choose for the long haul, but the people you would meet there might be the positive influence that jumpstart your journey? I found it helpful to write down all of the positives to quitting, for you the excitement of meeting a healthy baby is a big start! Don't fret about past drinking, it's today that matters!!!!