Say no to booze for 9 months ‘mkay?

I’ve had two babies and both were planned. I was actively trying to become pregnant both times. Both times I made the decision to not drink alcohol… just in case I was pregnant. Thankfully I was okay with this. I know a lot of people may struggle with the difficulties involved in giving up something that you love during pregnancy. At the risk of sounding judgey, giving up alcohol during pregnancy is just the beginning of things that you’re going to have to give up, so if this is hard for you — good luck with the rest of your life as a parent.

When you decide to become pregnant, or find out that you’re pregnant and decide to see it through, you have 40 weeks or so of trying to live the healthiest life possible. You’re creating a life and you want to give your baby its best possible start to a healthy life. In my opinion you should save the cocktails for when you’re dealing with toddler tantrums and preschooler panic.

A recent study conducted in the UK found that drinking increases the chances of premature birth but suggests that if people choose to drink, they shouldn’t have more than about a pint, two times per week. You can read about it here.

According to The Healthy Pregnancy Guide published by the Public Health Agency of Canada, there is no safe amount or safe time to drink alcohol during pregnancy.

Drinking when you’re pregnant may put your baby at risk of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder — basically a term that covers a long list of mental, physical, emotional and social disabilities.

From what I can tell, the truth is that no one really knows how much alcohol is safe to consume during pregnancy so the safe route is not having any at all. That was enough for me and the most alcohol I consumed during both pregnancies was the vodka in my penne a la vodka recipe.

I don’t enjoy seeing pregnant women drinking and/or smoking. I think it’s selfish and irresponsible. That’s just me though. What do you think?