Pregnancy is a wonderful journey, and while difficult for those carrying the baby, if a person is well supported then it can make the entire process as smooth as possible.
For a pregnant woman, lots of sacrifices have to be made, from cutting the late nights and getting rest to enjoying a healthy and well balanced diet. Which includes giving up alcohol.
Where once upon a time Guinness was given to pregnant women to keep their iron levels up, medical advice is now to avoid drinking at all costs in order to keep any risk to a baby at a minimum, with alcohol affecting babies in a host of damaging ways.
That is today treated as a given by most mothers. But the question around whether a partner should continue drinking while their loved one is carrying a child is one that’s a little more complex. After all, it’s not doing the baby any harm.
We look at the reasons why giving up alcohol is a good option during the pregnancy process…
It’ll benefit your health and wellbeing
Firstly, it will have a positive impact on your own health and wellbeing. If you’re having a child, it’s important to be in the best fighting shape for when it arrives as those long nights and hectic days can catch up with you very quickly.
By abstaining from alcohol during the nine months your partner is pregnant allows your body to recover, as well as it having a positive impact on your mental health. Essentially, it’ll give you a fresh mind and body for when the baby arrives, enjoying the amazing experience it is and being more prepared for when times get tough.
Of course, it may not be that simple to give up alcohol. Many people are dependent and do have addiction issues without even realising, so if you are struggling to give up, it’s always useful to see a professional to guide you through the addiction detox process and ensure you move towards a sober lifestyle.
You’ll be able to provide better emotional support
Pregnancy is often accompanied by a myriad of emotions, ranging from excitement to anxiety. For some expectant mothers, they need support at many points and a partner under the influence of alcohol simply isn’t going to be able to provide that effectively.
It creates a more supportive network between each other, eliminating any feelings of isolation a mother carrying child may have and a real sense that you’re in it together.
Creating a bond and shared experience
Which is what it’s all about. By both parents being sober during the pregancy, and indeed early stages of a child’s life, it can create a really strong unit and sense of togetherness which will help create the best possible environment for a child when they are born.
There’s more time for both to get involved in shared experiences, such as prenatal classes, as well as walks and exercises to keep a mother fit and healthy. You can create lasting memories during this time and make the whole experience as magical as possible.
You’ll create a sober social environment
Finally, the mother simply won’t feel left out. It can be difficult for pregnant women during the nine months they are carrying as they often feel like they’re missing out on social activities as a result of not being able to drink alcohol, having to avoid late nights or simply being too tired to get involved.
By a partner eliminating alcohol from their life also, you’re more likely to enjoy social activities that don’t involve alcohol, bringing a real sense of togetherness and reducing the risk of isolation.
