Drinking while trying to conceive a baby is a controversial topic. Each couple must decide what they are and aren’t comfortable with in their relationship, especially when it comes to family planning. While there isn’t a lot of evidence to show that it affects a mom’s ability to conceive, there can be some issues for dads who are overindulging during this time. Additionally, it’s difficult to pinpoint the actual time of conception, so moms should be careful if there is even a slight possibility that they are pregnant. If you or your partner are having difficulties with limiting or cutting out alcohol, reach out for support. Your doctor can help refer you to a clinic for in-patient or out-patient treatment, or you could try local support groups. Trying to conceive can be an exhausting and stressful time for a couple. Give yourself the best chances possible by limiting or cutting out alcohol.
Drinking While Trying to Conceive: Dangers to Be Aware Of
Male Infertility
While there doesn’t seem to be evidence that drinking can affect female fertility, that’s not necessarily the case for men. Studies show that long-term alcohol abuse can decrease a man’s sperm count or lower their testosterone. The liver damage that often accompanies alcoholism can also affect sperm quality and mobility.
Male Performance Issues
Another potential issue with drinking while trying to conceive is that it can negatively affect a man’s libido. This can lead to problems with ejaculation or the inability to maintain an erection. While it might sound like a lot of fun to “try” for a baby, the reality is that for many couples this can be an extremely stressful time. And not the sexiest time either. So adding anything to the mix that will decrease libido or hinder performance is not advised.
Fetal Alcohol Syndrome
The main risk when drinking while trying to conceive is that for women, it’s difficult to pinpoint when the actual moment of conception occurs. There is often a window of several weeks where a fetus could be developing, but pregnancy symptoms are not noticeable. There are many negative effects to exposing a growing baby to alcohol, top among them Fetal Alcohol Syndrome. For women who are trying to get pregnant, it’s best to refrain from drinking just to be on the safe side.
How to Stop Drinking
If you or your spouse are struggling to stop drinking while trying to conceive, there are resources available. You can discuss the best course of action with your doctor. They might suggest a rehabilitation center or in-patient/out-patient therapy. There are also support groups like Alcoholics Anonymous that can be very helpful with recovery.
Trying to have a baby is often not as easy as it sounds. For many couples, this can be a lengthy and arduous process. And for many, it can be gut-wrenching as months and months go by without a positive pregnancy test. To give yourselves the best chances, it’s best to stop drinking while trying to conceive. Long-term alcohol abuse can affect men’s fertility, and drinking can also hinder their performance and sex drive. For women, there aren’t any risks to their fertility, but it can be difficult to know exactly when pregnancy occurs. To be on the safe side, moms should begin their pregnancy sobriety when they begin trying. If you or your partner need help with limiting or cutting out alcohol, reach out for support.
