It is neither a matter for debate nor a question that still needs to be answered – drinking alcohol while pregnant is anything but a good idea. This applies not only to drinking large quantities of alcohol, but in fact drinking any alcohol at all. Alcohol can have severely negative effects on mother and baby alike. In addition to abstaining while pregnant, new mothers that intend to breastfeed should continue avoiding alcohol following the child’s birth. That said, what are the alternatives you can drink to fight the cravings for alcohol?
Why Should I Quit Drinking While Trying to Conceive?
An unborn baby will develop faster during its first few weeks than at any other time during pregnancy – often without the mother even realizing she is pregnant. During these early weeks, alcohol can begin having an adverse effect on the child’s health and could even further the risk of miscarrying.
Doctors have yet to determine whether any amount of alcohol whatsoever could be classified as ‘safe’ for pregnant mothers to consume – they also have no way of determining each unborn child’s unique sensitivities to alcohol. However, it has been proved beyond doubt that alcohol consumption has the potential to lead to ill health and complications during pregnancy, so common sense dictates that abstaining altogether is the safest option.
When looking to conceive a child, it is vital not to drink at all during the latter half of your menstrual cycle – as in following ovulation. If on the other hand you experience a period as normal, there’s little harm in drinking sensibly in accordance with medical guidelines.
Should the Father-to-Be Quit Drinking While Trying to Conceive?
There’s a common misconception that suggests it is really only women that need worry about drinking alcohol if trying to get pregnant. In reality however this couldn’t be further from the truth – a man that continues to drink alcohol while trying to conceive can be prone to a lower sperm count, poor sperm quality, lower testosterone levels and even impotence.
On a positive note, it is relatively easy for a man to repair most of the damage done by alcohol, simply by cutting down or abstaining altogether. As far as medical experts are concerned, the best advice for the sake of conception is to cut out alcohol altogether.
In addition to cutting down alcohol consumption, men can also increase the likelihood of conception by following nutritional guidelines and living a generally healthy lifestyle. Sperm quality is affected by a man’s lifestyle extremely quickly and just a single night of excess can cause extraordinary, though mercifully temporary damage.
What Are the Non-Alcoholic Alternatives?
Does giving up alcohol mean giving up fun and flavor? Of course, not – it’s just a case of getting creative with the world of ingredients you still have to play with.
1. Non-Alcoholic Champagne
Say for example you’re looking to celebrate a special occasion – why not make yourself some alcohol-free champagne and enjoy a glass of bubbly without the guilt?
Ingredients:
- 2/3 Cup Sugar
- 2/3 Cup Water
- Cup Grapefruit Juice
- ½ Cup Orange Juice
- 3 Tbsp. Grenadine
- 2 ½ Cans Ginger Ale
How to Prepare:
Boil the sugar and water mixture until totally dissolved – around five to ten minutes should do it. Once cool, add the orange and grapefruit juices, then mix in the ginger ale and grenadine right before drinking.
2. Virgin Strawberry Daiquiri
This really is an absolute diamond for sipping in the sunshine during the warmer months of the year, or even for a cozy night in by the fire when the elements are on your side.
Ingredients:
- Juice of Half a Lime
- Teaspoon of Sugar
- Three Ounces of Frozen Strawberries
- Chopped Ice
How to Prepare:
It couldn’t be easier – just bung the whole lot in a blender and whizz until the mixture is smooth and gorgeous-looking.
3. Piña Colada
The classic of classics – though in this instance you’ll find yourself savoring all of the flavor with no need whatsoever for the alcohol.
Ingredients:
- Two Ounces Coconut Milk
- 1.5 Ounces Pineapple (Crushed)
- 1 Ounce Pineapple Juice
- Chopped Ice
- Brown Sugar (less than 1 tablespoon)
How to Prepare:
Once again, preparation is as easy as sticking all of the ingredients in a blender and mixing for about 30 seconds or so. Be sure to save a chunk of pineapple or two to garnish the glass.
4. Virgin Bloody Mary
This is the essential brunch option that doesn’t need alcohol to be made tasty and satisfying.
Ingredients:
- Four Ounces Tomato Juice
- Half an Ounce of Lemon Juice
- 1/2 tsp. of Worcestershire Sauce
- Pinch of Celery Salt
- Pinch of Black Pepper
- Dash of Hot Sauce
- Ice Cubes
How to Prepare:
Exactly the same as you would the real-deal – add all of the ingredients to a cocktail shaker with plenty of ice, shake vigorously then strain into a glass with additional ice cubes. The celery stick garnish is of course optional.