Acute ethanol intoxication during pregnancy and consecutive fetal cardiac arrest: a case report

Chronic alcohol exposure during pregnancy and the resulting toxic effects for the fetus has been the subject of many investigations. In contrast, acute alcohol intoxication during pregnancy is a rare event and less is known about the consequences for fetal life. We report a case of the acute ethanol intoxication of a pregnant woman at the 35th week of gestation and the consecutive cardiac arrest of the neonate. Despite the life threatening event, the newborn recovered after resuscitation and intensive care treatment and could be discharged from hospital in good physical condition. We suggest that acute alcoholized pregnant women should be transferred to Perinatal Centers to cater for the possible need for emergency cesarean section and resuscitation of the newborn.