{UAH} Latest News on Alcohol Use During Pregnancy

Latest News on Alcohol Use During Pregnancy

April 2, 2014 by Constance Scharff, PhD

1. 

The effects of heavy alcohol use during pregnancy and the dangers to the unborn child are well recognized.  But what about having an occasional drink on the weekend or having several glasses of wine or beer a couple times over the term of pregnancy? Considering the seriousness and possibilities of complications to the baby, the discussions should advocate restraint of "all" use of alcohol just prior to and during this special life-changing event.

Recent studies indicate that less may not be better when it comes to drinking even small amounts of alcohol during all stages of pregnancy including before conception.  Researchers at the University of GHBLeeds in the UK, who reported their findings in the BMJ's Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health claim drinking moderate amounts of alcohol in the weeks before conception can lead to diminished fetal growth.

Even after taking into account other possible influencers, when they analyzed the alcohol data against the birth outcomes, the researchers found women who drank more than two units of alcohol per week were twice as likely to give birth to a premature or unexpectedly small baby than women who did not drink alcohol at all.

This is something that expectant mothers may not take into consideration if they have not planned their pregnancy or do not realize they might be pregnant already.

Janet Cade, a professor in Leeds' School of Science and Food Nutrition, says:

"Since pregnancy is such a special time for women it would be sensible for anyone who is thinking about getting pregnant to avoid alcohol during that time."

This is also the position of the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

The study identified expectant mothers who were older, better educated, and living in above average income areas, were more likely to drink, contrary to what many people may have expected.

The health problems, additional cost, time, and emotional toll are not worth risk. Considering the health and future of the baby should be the priority of anyone that is possibly pregnant or considering it.

 

http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/273893.php