Alcohol consumption during pregnancy: Can we have just one drink?

Alcohol consumption during pregnancy: Can we have just one drink?

Journal Article

2015

Tijdschrift voor Geneeskunde

71

12

791 - 796

2015

0371683X (ISSN)

Alcohol is a widespread and accessible drug with a teratogenic effect on the fetus. Since alcohol diffuses through the placental barrier, it exerts a direct effect on the neurological development of the fetus with behavioral disorders, mental disability and general neurological dysfunction as possible consequences. It also bears obstetric risks such as miscarriage, growth restriction and preterm delivery. Still, one in three women drink alcohol during pregnancy increasing the risk of fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS). Fortunately, the effects appear to be less serious in clinical practice since the majority of women consume only small quantities of alcohol and on isolated occasions. This literature review assesses the relation between mild to moderate alcohol consumption during pregnancy and obstetric and neuropsychological outcomes. Although a clear dose-response effect for both obstetric and neuropsychological outcome occurs, mainly a continued exposure to high quantities of alcohol carries a high risk of a poor prognosis. Therefore, every pregnant woman should be advised not to drink during pregnancy, but most women can be reassured when their alcohol use has been limited in frequency, time and quantity.