A critical evaluation of the obstetric use of alcohol in preterm labor

The clinical use of alcohol to delay premature labor is critically reviewed. The evidence indicates that this procedure is no more effective in arresting preterm labor than placebo, i.e., bed rest. The rational for the clinical use of alcohol in obstetrics is also questionable. Furthermore, increasing evidence indicates that the blood alcohol levels associated with this method often causes nausea, vomiting, and headaches in mothers and can cause deleterious effects in the fetus, including death.