Is Moderate Drinking During Early Pregnancy Safe?
NBC Nightly News anchor Brian Williams probably echoed the sentiments of a number of people when he opened a report discussing a Danish study on alcohol consumption and pregnancy by saying, “Well, this is one of those studies where the results should be quickly followed by someone saying ‘This doesn’t mean you necessarily have to try this.’”
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A study conducted by researchers from Denmark found that low or moderate consumption of alcohol – defined as one to eight drinks per week – during the early stages of pregnancy may not harm the woman’s unborn child, or affect the baby’s neurological development or attention span later in life.
The study analyzed data provided by more than 1,600 study participants, consisting of pregnant women recruited at their first antenatal visit. Half of the study participants were having their first pregnancy, while just under one-third admitted to smoking while pregnant. There were also participants who did not drink during pregnancy.
The pregnant women were asked about their alcohol intake, defined as “low average” if consumption was at one to four drinks (at 12g per serving) per week; “moderate” if consumption was at five to eight drinks per week; and “high” if consumption was at nine or more drinks per week.
The researchers then looked into the effects of alcohol on IQ, attention span, executive functions (planning, organization, self-control, among others) in the children at five years of age. Lead study authors Ulrik Schiøler Kesmodel of Aarhus University and Prof Erik Lykke Mortensen of the University of Copenhagen shared: “Our findings show that low to moderate drinking is not associated with adverse effects on the children aged five.”
Patrick O’Brien, a spokesman for the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG) and a consultant obstetrician described the research as “very well designed,” although he did say: “These findings suggest low to moderate drinking has no significant effect on children aged five. However, this does not mean that women can use this as an excuse to indulge in more than the recommended amount.”
Tags: alcohol abuse during pregnancy, drinking alcohol during pregnancy, early pregnancy drinking, early pregnancy smoking
June 21, 2012 at 8:50 amKris Rife
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Have just returned from a national (U.S.)Fetal Alcohol Training update sponsored by Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMSHA/HHS) and Regional Training Centers for Fetal Alcohol (CDC sponsored.) Recent scientific studies are pointing toward RNA/DNA markers that make a fetus more susceptible to the brain damage and long term effects caused by prenatal alcohol intake. The amount of alcohol that might cause problems depends on many facets such as nutritional status and time of gestation. IQ being normal at age 5 as the mentioned study suggests, is not unusual. The cognitive and behavioral discrepancies become more apparent as the child is compared to his classmates later in elementary school and definitely by middle school. ADHD and learning disabilities are a more common diagnosis (altho incomplete and incorrect) when children affected by prenatal alcohol exposure (known or unknown)originally seek mental health diagnosis in early elementary years. Studies that end with age 5, as this reported one was, are doing a disservice to the millions of babies that will have devistating lifetime effects because their mother received comfort having heard the above report. News services should take this into account prior to reporting conflicting health information. University of Washington has many studies and info that may be helpful to those seeking more info. http://depts.washington.edu/fadu/ If there is no cause for concern, why is the American Bar Association proposing a resolution at their national meeting this August regarding care of individuals with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders? They have done their homework! So should NBC News. Please do a comprehensive report on Dateline NBC to undo the damage done by last nights news report.
June 21, 2012 at 11:00 amAmy Coto
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I was outraged when I heard this on your news program last night!!!!! I can’t believe you would even report this!!!!! Do you know how many people will now think it will be okay to drink during pregnancy after hearing this on your program????? It does harm the fetus, get the facts! Tell this to a child who has been harmed by the mother drinking during pregnancy, why dont you do a report on them?? I’m raising a 8 year old who is living proof that drinking during pregnancy no matter how moderate DOES harm!!!
June 21, 2012 at 11:22 amJ. Cook
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How about doing a follow up citing the many other studies that indicate the increased risk of FASD (fetal alcohol spectrum disorder) for children born to women who drink? No one knows for sure when no risk drinking turns into risky drinking (or for whom) and the results can be catastrophic for the child over his or her lifetime. For women of child bearing age, the real question should be why take the risk. As a responsible journalist, please present this side too.
June 21, 2012 at 11:48 amMary
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There has been significant brain research in the United States that indicates even a small amount of alcohol can effect the development of the fetus. No drinking is safe during pregnancy. Alcohol is not safe for babies in breastfeeding Moms as well.
June 21, 2012 at 4:01 pmNedra Van Duyn
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Seriously! No amount of alcohol is OK to drink during pregnancy. Read “Fatal Link” by Jodi Crowe. Visit with adoptive parents of FASD children. Talk to prison inmates about their mother’s alcohol use. Check the link: Healthy Brains for Children. FASD is 100% preventable. When the health, psychological, and educational costs of the spectrum of disorders are added over a lifetime it is extremely expensive.