Staying sober while pregnant is incredibly important for the health of your baby. However, for many women, it can be a difficult challenge. Many find that support meetings like Alcoholics Anonymous are very helpful. In addition, you can find satisfying alternatives to alcoholic beverages like yummy mocktails. Keeping busy and having distractions is another way to take your mind off of alcohol. And finally, trying to keep your eyes on the prize of bringing a healthy baby into the world might help you find the strength to resist drinking. Hopefully, you can use these four tips to stay sober for your entire pregnancy.
Four Tips for Staying Sober While Pregnant: Make a Plan
Attend a Support Group Meeting
Support groups can be very helpful for staying sober while pregnant. There are many types of support groups including Twelve-Step programs like Alcoholics Anonymous. The most important thing to remember is not to be embarrassed about needing help. Everybody is there for the same reason – to get sober and stay sober. They will understand the struggles you are facing. In addition, they might celebrate victories with you and be a source of comfort when you’re having a hard day. You can also try to get support from loved ones like your partner or friends and family.
Find Alternatives
Another helpful tip for staying sober while pregnant is to find satisfying alternatives to alcohol. If you enjoy the feel of a drink in your hand, ask the waiter to bring you a non-alcoholic mocktail. You can even serve them in fancy glasses. In addition, there are non-alcoholic sparkling juices that can mimic the bubbles of champagne. Remember that hydration is very important to a healthy pregnancy, so it’s best to drink a lot of water. Feel free to add natural flavoring like fruits to your water to make it a little more exciting.
Keep Busy
Many alcoholics find that boredom is their enemy. You may be more tempted to drink when you are idle. Staying sober while pregnant can be easier if you keep yourself busy. Especially if there are certain times of the day when you’re more likely to drink. For example, if you enjoy cocktail hour before dinner, try to find a prenatal yoga class for that time of day. Or get out for a quick walk around the block, or call a friend. Try to replace drinking with something else you enjoy.
Keep Your Eyes on the Prize
Finally, the most helpful thing for staying sober while pregnant is to keep your goal in mind. You are trying to bring a life into this world, and you want your baby to start off on the right foot. This means keeping your body as healthy as possible while they are growing inside of you. Unfortunately, the risks of fetal alcohol syndrome are severe. Try to remember that this is only a temporary situation. When you are feeling tempted to drink, try to remember the goal of your perfectly healthy baby.
Staying sober while pregnant might seem like a challenge but you can do it! Find support from Alcoholics Anonymous, your partner, or a friend you trust. Try to find alternatives to alcohol that you enjoy, like mocktails or sparkling juice. Staying busy during parts of the day when you are most tempted to drink can also be helpful. And finally, keep your eyes on the prize. You want your baby to be perfectly healthy, so just think of holding them in your arms when you are having a hard day. You may even find that staying sober gets easier with time and that you start seeing the amazing benefits of giving up alcohol. Maybe you’ll even decide to continue your sobriety after you’re done being pregnant.
