A new study on alcohol consumption during pregnancy confirms that drinking before birth leads to poorer cognitive function and increases the risk of lower birth weight. The researchers claim this is the first time they have compared such results from a number of different studies. The recent study also found that websites funded by the alcohol industry routinely omit or misrepresent information about the risk.
Be careful with alcohol consumption during pregnancy
For expectant parents, few issues have the ability to cause controversy. While women have been warned to avoid all alcohol consumption during pregnancy, some research has found that small amounts of alcohol may be safe during this phase. However, new research has found that the safest option for pregnant women is to avoid alcohol altogether. After analyzing 23 previously published studies, researchers confirmed that alcohol consumption during pregnancy results in children with poorer cognitive function and increases the risk of lower birth weight.
“We wanted to comprehensively examine all the evidence from different types of studies,” said Dr. Luisa Zuccolo, study leader and lecturer in epidemiology at Bristol Medical School. “We also found that for two outcomes, cognition and birth weight, there were enough studies of different types that were consistent with each other and suggested a harmful effect of alcohol in pregnancy. That wasn't surprising. However, it adds another piece to the sample of evidence on this important public health issue. “
The analysis examined both traditional studies such as randomized controlled trials and alternative strategies. These compare children in the same family whose mothers reduced or increased alcohol consumption between pregnancies. Researchers say misrepresenting the problem could encourage women to continue drinking during pregnancy. The findings suggest that facilities funded by the alcohol industry may increase the risk to pregnant women by spreading misinformation.
Possible effects of drinking
“Alcohol is a teratogen, meaning it causes abnormalities. Consumption of it affects the development of the brain, heart and facial features of the fetus and impairs normal growth,” said Dr. Kecia Gaither. She explained that drinking during pregnancy increases the risk of fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS). This is a condition characterized by the following symptoms:
- neurological problems such as cognitive delay
- Problems hearing
- Cardiac abnormalities
- Hyperactivity
- Facial deformities
However, drinking is not the only risk factor. “Tobacco use in pregnancy is also associated with a number of problems for the fetus,” Gaither said. She explained that smoking produces carbon monoxide, which interferes with the normal oxygen supply to the fetus. “Babies born to mothers who also smoke are at increased risk of SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome) and pulmonary dysfunction.”
