Frequently Asked Questions: The What Ifs?
We often ask ourselves, "what if?" when we're trying to make a decision. We try to imagine what might happen, based on what we cooose.
To help you make your decision not to drink during pregnancy, here are a few of the most common "what ifs?"...and the honest answers.
What if I have just one drink?
There are no guarantees. That one drink may be the one that affects your baby. Every person is different. Every pregnancy is different. You have to ask yourself if it's really worth the risk.
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What if I just found out I'm pregnant - and I've been drinking?
First thing to do is stop drinking immediately. You can't prevent any effects that have already occurred, but you can prevent those effects from worsening or additional one from occurring.
Some people may have a tendency to worry or feel guilty if they've been drinking and find out they're pregnant. The thing to remember is that you didn't know, and hopefully, when you found out, you made the decision not to continue drinking. The best thing you can do is to move forward and be the best parent you can be.
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What if the father is drinking?
FASD isn't genetic. The only cause is a woman drinking alcohol during pregnancy. So if the father is drinking when pregnancy occurs and the mother isn't, there's no risk of FASD.
That doesn't mean fathers don't have a certain responsibility to their partner and child though. Drinking around your pregnant partner is only going to make it harder for your partner to stop. Actions speak louder than words. Show your support by taking your own nine-month break from alcohol.
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What if my child is born with FASD?
All children need love, understanding and care. A child with FASD needs a little bit more. Children with FASD can live happy, healthy and productive lives. They will, however, need a lot of support. As the parent of a child with FASD, you're going to need a lot of support too.
That support is there for you. There are a lot of different places you can turn to for advice, programs and services that can help you and your child live healthier, happier lives. There are a lot of people who have experienced some of the same challenges you'll face.
Click here to go to a list of resources. You and you child aren't alone.
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What if I can't stop my drinking?
It's easy for people to say "just stop drinking during your pregnancy." It's not necessarily that easy. But the fact that you're looking for help is a sign of how much you care for your unborn child.
If you're struggling with drinking, there are places you can turn to for help. Click here to go to a list of resources.
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What if I drink while breastfeeding?
While your child won't get FASD if you drink while breastfeeding, you can still pass alcohol along through the breast milk - and that alcohol can still affect your child.
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