Alcohol and TTC

[LillianB]

Hi all...

I'm trying to get the straight scoop on drinking alcohol while trying to conceive. Most of what I find online says something like "alcohol damages your fertility" or "drinking alcohol is never safe when pregnant or TTC" but offers very little by way of explanation.

My husband and I are very into wine. It's a hobby and it's something that we both enjoy. I usually have 2 glasses a night. I ovulate regularly, have a 13 day luteal phase, regular periods, sleep 8 hours a night, eat well, run 25 miles a week, drink tons of water, etc. etc. I'm also not pregnant after 8 months of trying and will be turning 38 in a few weeks.

Should I give up the wine? If I thought it would make a difference, I would. But I'm not convinced that it will and would hate to give up something I enjoy. (And that makes life a little more pleasant...this TTC business is stressful!)

What are your thoughts/experiences?

Thanks,
LB

[MaerynPearl]

Maybe just cut down to 1 glass of red wine each night? Thats generally the amount I hear as being beneficial rather than causing a negative effect.

For example, http://www.pregnancymd.org/lifestyle...ty-factors.htm says that red wine is actually good for your fertility as long as you do not drink too much or too often.

[possum]

We love our wine here too! Our family and extended family are also into homebrew beer (although I haven't had any in almost 2 years of being GF).

I would personally consider cutting back, but I would also explore other avenues that are more probable causes IMO.

How are you confirming ovulation? Do you know that you have at least one functioning fallopian tube? Have you considered seeing an acupuncturist for help with reading your chart (I assume you are charting), balancing your hormones, and making your body as hospitable as possible for growing a baby?

On the other side, could the issues reside with your partner?

I hope you are pregnant very soon.

Melinda

[finnegansmom]

I'm actually into wine myself and I'm 38. I suck at drinking water but I try to drink an extra glass before bed if I've had a glass or two of wine. I think being dehydrated can limit CM but don't quote me on that, although you say you drink tons so that is good.
Are you taking a prenatal or any vitamins?
Do you temp/chart?
Just my opinion, being 38 too, if I went 8 months with perfect timing and awesome charts without getting a BFP, I'd see my doctor....

[MaerynPearl]

Originally Posted by finnegansmom

Just my opinion, being 38 too, if I went 8 months with perfect timing and awesome charts without getting a BFP, I'd see my doctor....

I'm exhausted and swore I read your age as 28 (which wouldnt necessarily mean see your doctor yet)

Of course, there's still the large chance that nothing at all is wrong and you just arent getting lucky... but there's also the the chance that something is wrong (hopefully something very small and easy to fix if anything!) so its best to get checked out just to be sure.

[LillianB]

Thanks, you all. I've been charting religiously since July. DH and I have an appointment on 3/17 with a specialist, but I'm also looking into what I can do in the meantime. I do have an appointment with my acupuncturist, too. And I guess it wouldn't kill me to cut back on the wine....sigh....

This is off the original topic, but I'm really dreading the appointment. I haven't made the mental leap from "I'm just not pregnant yet" to "dealing with infertility." It's a fine point, I know, but still a hard one. They sent us this big glossy brochure about all of the high tech things they can do and it freaked me out. In the beginning, ttc was so exciting and now it's discouraging.

Thanks for listening.

[kimmie_n_angus]

I have PCOS and suffered from infertility when STC #2. My RE told me to feel free to drink. She laughed and said more babies are the products of druken nights than aren't Not to say you should get toasted every night. Alcohol allows vasodiation, which increases blood flow. That is great for reproduction and implantation. Enjoy the things you do now, as when you do become PG, you will have to give them up.

[PhotoJournMama]

There has been a recent study that showed that drinking alcohol can have negative affects on your TTC journey. (British Medical Journal study).

That being said, there are certainly lots of anecdotal cases of drunken nights leading to pregnancy! My first was one of those lovely cases, and this time around I don't drink and have been trying for nearly a year. I would certainly recommend in your case, though, that you remain aware that, for both yourself and your husband, it could be affecting your chances.

Good luck at your appointment I hope that everything turns out well for you

[MaerynPearl]

Originally Posted by LillianB

I haven't made the mental leap from "I'm just not pregnant yet" to "dealing with infertility." It's a fine point, I know, but still a hard one.

You don't have to make that leap until you actually find out that that is the case. Really, it could be that you just haven't gotten lucky yet and are actually both perfectly fertile... but going to the doctor will help you find that out.

[TheDivineMrsM]

Mmmm.... Wine....

I don't think a glass or two is making the differnce. Make sure to note it on your chart, b/c drinking can elevate BBT. Stay hydrated on the nights you indulge (the rule in college was one cup of water per drink consumed; I'd apply that here too!) and avoid overdoing (ie: don't go through entire bottles by yourself regularly). But mention it to your doc when you go, because I could be wrong.