Patterns of alcohol consumption and fetal development

Effects of heavy, moderate, and rare alcohol consumption on fetal development were analyzed in a prospective study of 469 mother-infant pairs. Differential effects of heavy drinking in early and late gestation were evaluated by separate analysis of neonates born to women who reduced consumption befo...

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Bibliographic Details
Published inObstetrics and gynecology (New York. 1953) Vol. 61; no. 5; p. 539
Main Authors Rosett, H L, Weiner, L, Lee, A, Zuckerman, B, Dooling, E, Oppenheimer, E
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published United States 01.05.1983
Subjects
Abnormalities, Drug-Induced - etiology
Adult
Alcohol Drinking
Female
Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders - etiology
Fetal Growth Retardation - etiology
Humans
Pregnancy
Prenatal Exposure Delayed Effects
Prospective Studies
Risk
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Summary:Effects of heavy, moderate, and rare alcohol consumption on fetal development were analyzed in a prospective study of 469 mother-infant pairs. Differential effects of heavy drinking in early and late gestation were evaluated by separate analysis of neonates born to women who reduced consumption before the third trimester. Using chi 2 analysis, multiple regression, and matched sets, statistically significant associations (P less than .01) were observed between sustained heavy drinking and both intrauterine growth retardation and congenital anomalies. These associations were independent of eight other risk factors. No differences were observed between offspring of rare and moderate drinkers. Infants born to women who reduced heavy drinking did not differ in growth from offspring of rare and moderate drinkers but demonstrated a higher frequency of abnormalities. Sustained heavy drinking represents a major risk; reduction in midpregnancy can benefit the newborn. Identification and therapy of heavy drinking are important components of prenatal care.
ISSN:0029-7844
1873-233X