What is your drinking personality?
The facts about alcohol become more sobering when you start talking about pregnancy. For you and your partner, this could be a time to take a close look at old habits. Will your desire to have a healthy baby be enough for you to stop drinking alcohol?
Ask yourself these questions:
- What are the reasons I choose to drink?
- How often is alcohol a part of my life? (daily, monthly or at social events)
- How would I feel about not drinking at all at the next party I am invited to?
- Do I associate drinking with smoking, eating, watching TV or other activities?
- How long would it take me to become alcohol-free?
What you can do
People drink alcohol at different times for different reasons. You have your own. Think about when you drink. What other activities can you do instead, even before pregnancy?
I can...
- Use alcohol-free mixers at parties
- Mocktails for Mom
- Become active before pregnancy.
- Read a book on parenting or other interests.
- Talk with a friend.
My ideas of other activities I can do instead of drinking alcohol:
So much has been written about alcohol and health. On one hand, studies tell us that small amounts of alcohol may protect our hearts. On the other hand, studies also tell us that more than 2 drinks a day may lead to possible health problems. What we do know is that pregnancy is not a time for drinking – it is a time for new beginnings. In fact, it is best to stop drinking before pregnancy.
FOR HELP CLOSE TO HOME CONTACT:
Health care provider:
Local community mental health services: www.cmha.ca
Alcoholics Anonymous (AA): www.aacanada.com
To find an Al-Anon or Alateen group: www.al-anon.alateen.org
Canadian Centre On Substance Abuse: www.ccsa.com
Centre for Addiction and Mental Health: www.camh.net
Local public health unit: 1-800-267-8097
Motherisk, Alcohol and Substance Use Helpline: 1-877-327-4636 or www.motherisk.org
Drug and Alcohol Facts Information Line (Centre for Addiction and Mental Health):
1-800-463-6273
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Am I hooked?
“I like to have a few drinks now and then. I don’t really need it. I can give it up any time.” Or can you? If you have a drinking problem, often you are the last person to recognize it. Even if you know you have a drinking problem you probably don’t talk about it. What is a drinking problem?
Answer yes or no to the following questions:
I feel I should cut down on my drinking.
People annoy me when they bug me about my drinking.
I sometimes feel guilty about my drinking and the behaviour it causes.
At times I drink first thing in the morning to steady my nerves or treat a hangover.
On days when I have alcohol, I drink more than 2 drinks*.
I drink more than 11 drinks* in an average week (women).
I drink more than 14 drinks* in an average week (men).
 One standard drink is:
one bottle of beer (341ml, 12oz, 5% alcohol)
one bottle cooler (341ml, 12oz, 5% alcohol)
one glass of wine (142ml, 5oz, 12% alcohol)
one small glass sherry or port (85ml, 3oz, 18% alcohol)
one shot of spirits (43ml, 1.5oz, 40% alcohol)
All of these contain the same amount of alcohol and will have the same effect on the fetus. Check the container. Some beverages contain higher amounts of alcohol.
If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, you could have a drinking problem that needs attention before you enter into pregnancy.
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If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, you could have a drinking problem that needs attention before you enter into pregnancy. |
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