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Alcohol consumption in pregnancy. How much is safe?
Archives of Disease in Childhood
|December 1, 1982
Summary
Even moderate alcohol consumption during pregnancy is linked to adverse fetal outcomes, including major congenital abnormalities and smaller head circumferences. No safe level of alcohol intake in pregnancy has been identified.
Area of Science:
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Fetal Medicine
- Public Health
Background:
- Maternal alcohol consumption during pregnancy is a known risk factor for fetal development.
- Understanding the specific risks associated with varying levels of alcohol intake is crucial for prenatal care.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between maternal alcohol consumption and major congenital abnormalities in infants.
- To examine the impact of different alcohol consumption levels on fetal growth parameters, such as head circumference.
- To assess the predictive value of maternal serum gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT) levels for abnormal fetal outcomes.
Main Methods:
- A questionnaire was administered to 973 white women attending an antenatal clinic, collecting data on parity, social class, smoking, and alcohol/coffee consumption.
- Infant outcomes, including major congenital abnormalities and head circumference, were recorded.
- Maternal serum gamma-glutamyltransferase levels were analyzed in a subset of participants.
Main Results:
- 49% of women reported being non-drinkers; none of their infants had major congenital abnormalities.
- 1.2% of infants born to women who consumed alcohol exhibited major abnormalities.
- Infants of mothers consuming >20 ml alcohol/day showed significantly smaller head circumferences in some gestational age groups.
- Elevated maternal serum GGT levels predicted abnormal fetal outcomes in 3 cases.
Conclusions:
- There is no identified safe level of alcohol consumption during pregnancy.
- Even moderate or 'social' alcohol drinking is associated with increased risk of abnormal fetal outcomes.
- Maternal alcohol intake poses significant risks to fetal development, necessitating clear public health guidance.
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