Is Consumption Of Alcohol And Nyquil During Early Pregnancy A Concern?

Posted on Thu, 26 Jan 2017

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Thu, 26 Jan 2017 Answered on

Thu, 16 Feb 2017 Last reviewed on

Question : I just found out on Monday that I am 4 weeks pregnant. This was unplanned, so I had no idea until I was late for my period. Because I did not know, I drink alcohol (1 or 2 drinks every other day for the past two weeks), a couple of doses Nyquil, and caffeine every day. I stopped all of these things when I found out, am now taking prenatal vitamins and eating carefully but I am terrified that I have done real damage to this baby. I have an appointment with an OB, but they will not see me until I am at six weeks. I can't wait that long to know more about this. How great is the risk?

Answered by Dr. Deepti Verma (50 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Almost nil chance of any adverse effect on the fetus

Detailed Answer:
Hi dear,
I have gone through your question and understand the concerns.
If you had alcohol, caffeine and nyquil before 4 weeks gestation, and have completely stopped them by now, then the chances of harm to the fetus are almost nil.
This is so because adverse effects of the drugs and alcohol occur only after the fetal organs began forming, which is after 4 weeks of gestation.
I will suggest you not to worry, and continue with folic acid tablets.
Avoid any further alcohol, caffeine and any drug without prescription.
Hope you found the answer helpful.
Regards
Dr Deepti Verma
OBGYN
Maternal and fetal medicine specialist

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad