Drinking While Trying

Drinking while driving is an undisputed bad idea.  And, it's illegal.  But what about drinking while trying?  Can one maintain normal drinking patterns while trying to conceive a baby? 

Depends who you're asking and what your "normal drinking pattern" is.

If you're asking me (who's NOT a doctor, nor any sort of expert in the matter), I'd say it depends.  It depends on your personality.  It depends on whether you're the type of person who drives with both hands on the wheel at 10 o'clock and 2 o'clock or whether you rest your left arm on the window frame and casually grasp the bottom of the wheel with your right hand.  How much risk are your comfortable with?

Do you use the turn signal or
just GO (after a quick peek)?
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Most of us are aware that there is a risk in drinking alcohol while pregnant.  I did some hardcore lowcore internet research on the subject and found conflicting information as to the specific risk.  Some say that any drinking while pregnant is high risk behavior.  In fact, some say that drinking during the few days before getting pregnant is a bad idea.  Others say that drinking while pregnant will probably not put the fetus at risk unless it's excessive and/or constant, although the first trimester is the most sensitive development period and extra precautions should be taken.

With this, here are your drinking while trying options:

1. Clean and Sober:  Lay off the sauce.  It'll be an oh-so-sweet reunion someday, but time apart is healthy for all relationships.
2. Surf the Crimson Wave:  Don't drink alcohol until you're confirmed to be without child.  When you get your period and therefore aren't pregnant, go a few days without sex and have a few days with vodka sodas.
3. Live in Moderation: Regardless of your normal drinking habits, set yourself strict limits that equal less often and less alcohol per sitting.  Then go to Costco and buy yourself a life's supply of pregnancy tests.  The more you test, the more likely you are to know when the switch from trying to being takes place.
4. Drink up!: I'm sure you know someone who drank herself silly at a New Years Eve party while unknowingly pregnant.  If you don't, I do.  And, the baby is just perfect.   

You know you.  You know if you're the type of person who could have a drink and feel comfortable.  And you know if you're going to cry yourself to sleep for the remaining 8.5 months after a half glass of pinot grigio.  Do what's comfortable for you while keeping the health of your unborn baby in mind.  Oh, and your doctor knows a lot more about your unborn baby's health than I do, so start there!

Someone who will never cry about drinking pinot grigio.
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