Reduction of Alcohol Consumption During Pregnancy with Benefits to the Newborn

Abstract

Among a group of 69 pregnant women who drank heavily, 25 reduced alcohol consumption before the third trimester. Infants born to these women showed less growth retardation than did infants born to 44 women who continued to drink heavily throughout the pregnancy. Analysis of other risk factors showed little effect on outcome when third trimester drinking patterns were held constant. Identification and counseling of heavy-drinking pregnant women should provide benefits for both the mother and her newborn.