Just Another Manic Mommy

Dear Manic Mommy: I'm pregnant but don't know how far along. During my 21st birthday I was unaware that I was with-child, so I drank a lot and now I'm wondering if that will affect the baby?

Manic Mommy: Remember, I'm not a doctor, and I've never played one on TV. I will tell you that with all three of my children, I drank alcohol socially until I knew I was pregnant. In fact, with my third child, I took a test, it came out negative, I went out that night and drank a bottle of wine. The next week, I still hadn't gotten my period and I tested again. This time, the test was positive. I think this happens to many women. As long as you STOP drinking alcohol once you discover you are pregnant, I think you should be OK. I do not think it's a good idea to drink alcohol while pregnant.