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Prenatal alcohol use among teenagers: effects on neonatal outcomes
M D Cornelius1, L Goldshmidt, P M Taylor
1Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, PA 15213, USA. mdc1@pitt.edu
Background:
This longitudinal study examines the effects of alcohol use during pregnancy on the growth and gestational age at birth of 413 offspring of adolescents.
Methods:
Data were collected during 1990 to 1994. The adolescents were from a prenatal clinic in Pittsburgh, PA. They were interviewed at mid-pregnancy and at delivery to obtain information on alcohol and other substance use before and during pregnancy. Infants were examined 24 to 36 hr after birth.
Results:
The average maternal age was 16.3 (12-18) years; 68% were African American. Prenatal exposure to alcohol during the second trimester was significantly related to decreases in head circumference, birthweight, and chest circumference. There was also a significant relationship between alcohol exposure in each trimester and lower Apgar scores. All of the analyses controlled for other prenatal substance use and covariates of drinking during pregnancy.
Conclusion:
Prenatal alcohol exposure is associated with decreases in fetal growth and in APGAR scores in the offspring of adolescents.