Association between alcohol consumption in pregnancy and birth outcomes

January 01, 0001

Association between alcohol consumption in pregnancy and birth outcomes

These authors from multiple countries systematically reviewed and performed meta-analyses on the effect of maternal alcohol exposure on the risk of low birthweight, preterm birth and small for gestational age (SGA). They 36 included case-control and cohort studies. They specifically analyzed the data for dose-response relationships.

They found: "Compared with abstainers, the overall dose-response relationships for low birthweight and SGA showed no effect up to 10 g pure alcohol/day (an average of about 1 drink/day) and preterm birth showed no effect up to 18 g pure alcohol/day (an average of 1.5 drinks/day); thereafter, the relationship showed a monotonically increasing risk for increasing maternal alcohol consumption. Moderate consumption during pre-pregnancy was associated with reduced risks for all outcomes."

The authors concluded: "Dose-response relationship indicates that heavy alcohol consumption during pregnancy increases the risks of all three outcomes whereas light to moderate alcohol consumption shows no effect. Preventive measures during antenatal consultations should be initiated."

These results suggest that alcohol not be absolutely prohibited in pregnancy.


For the full abstract, click here.

BJOG 118(12):1411-1421, November 2011 © 2011 to the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists
Dose-response relationship between alcohol consumption before and during pregnancy and the risks of low birthweight, preterm birth and small for gestational age (SGA)—a systematic review and meta-analyses. J Patra, R Bakker, H Irving, VWV Jaddoe, S Malini, J Rehm. Correspondence to Dr. Patra: jaydeep_patra@camh.net

Category: W. Pregnancy, Family Planning, Z. Social Problems. Keywords: alcohol, low birthweight, neonatal development, preterm birth, small for gestational age, meta-analysis of observational studies, journal watch.
Synopsis edited by Dr Linda French, Toledo, Ohio. Posted on Global Family Doctor 11 November 2011

Pearls are an independent product of the Cochrane primary care group and are meant for educational use and not to guide clinical care.

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