Alcohol use during pregnancy and child development
What is it about?
Evidence on the relationship between low level alcohol use during pregnancy and child outcomes were sparse and unclear, leading to mixed messages for pregnant women. We examined close to 10,000 children where 1 in 4 had been exposed to alcohol in utero. There was robust evidence to indicate low level alcohol use could negatively impact child health. For example, exposed children had higher levels of anxiety and depression symptoms, were more impulsive and had poorer attention than unexposed children. These symptoms were linked to alterations in brain structure.
Why is it important?
This is the largest study to examine low level alcohol use during pregnancy and offspring development. Our findings indicate that the safest option is to abstain from alcohol from conception throughout pregnancy.