FASD

I’ve been drinking since I was 8 and I don’t think I can quit just cause I’m pregnant. What should I do? (I want to keep the baby.)

Posted on 28 November 2010 by admin

Sounds like drinking has been a big part of your life for a while. It can be hard to quit, especially if alcohol is your way of coping with difficult things in your life. It also sounds like having a healthy pregnancy is important to you and that you are unsure about what to do.
Talking to an adult that you trust is important: someone you believe will not judge you perhaps a guidance counsellor or a nurse at your local teen clinic? Sometimes they can help you figure out ways to drink less or quit altogether.
It is really important that if you believe you are addicted to alcohol, you don’t just try to quit on your own. Withdrawing from alcohol can be dangerous and many people need to be in the hospital to get the care they need to withdraw. A couple of other things that can help are getting prenatal care and eating healthy. It is really super important that you have a healthcare provider (nurse, midwife or doctor) monitoring your pregnancy: prenatal care helps people have healthier pregnancies and healthier babies, even if women are drinking. And, some research is showing that if you eat well during pregnancy this can reduce the impact of the alcohol you drink. So, if you really can’t quit altogether having some fruits and vegetables to your diet can help protect your fetus (baby) from the effects of alcohol.
Please remember, you are not alone. There are many girls who use alcohol the way you are describing and pregnancy can be a great motivator to become more healthy. With the right help from adults who really want to see you succeed, you can make some changes that can help improve the health of your fetus and you!

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