Adverse Effects on Offspring of Maternal Alcohol Abuse during Pregnancy

Abstract

To evaluate the risk to offspring of heavy drinking during pregnancy, we administered a questionnaire to 633 women at the first prenatal visit. nutritional status, smoking, drug and alcohol use were determined. Women were classified into three groups: abstinent and rare drinkers; moderate drinkers; and heavy drinkers. After delivery, detailed pediatric, neurologic and developmental examinations were administered by a physician without prior knowledge of any history. Infants born to heavy drinkers had twice the risk of abnormality of those born to abstinent or moderate drinkers (P<0.001). Thirty-two per cent of infants born to heavy drinkers demonstrated congenital anomalies, as compared to 9 per cent in the abstinent and 14 per cent in the moderate group (P<0.001). Microcephaly and multiple congenital anomalies were much more frequent in this group (P<0.001). Heavy drinking during pregnancy increases the risk to offspring. (N Engl J Med 297:528–530, 1977)