University of New Mexico researchers have conducted a study that suggests even low to moderate alcohol use during pregnancy can have subtle effects on the development of the fetus. The study, led by Ludmila Bakhireva, found that drinking during pregnancy may lead to lower birth length and shorter gestational duration. The research also highlighted some sex-related differences in the effects of alcohol exposure on infants.
The study reported on three prospective studies conducted over 10 years at UNM, following 281 participants who were recruited in the second trimester of their pregnancies. While there is a significant amount of research on the effects of heavy alcohol use during pregnancy, there is less focus on moderate alcohol exposure, which is more common. Bakhireva emphasized the importance of studying the effects of moderate alcohol consumption on prenatal outcomes, particularly during the critical early stages of pregnancy.
Alcohol exposure during pregnancy is particularly concerning because it can affect the formation of organs in the developing fetus. Bakhireva highlighted the fact that many individuals drink before knowing they are pregnant, which can have implications for fetal development. While most participants reduced or stopped their alcohol consumption once they learned they were pregnant, there were still some deficits observed in infants of both sexes.
The study stresses the importance of larger, multi-site studies to replicate the findings and further explore sex-specific effects of alcohol exposure during pregnancy. Bakhireva is leading the HEALthy Brain and Child Development study at UNM, which is part of a national initiative to recruit and follow parent-child pairs over a 10-year period. These types of studies will provide more insight into the effects of different patterns and timing of alcohol use during pregnancy.
Overall, the research reinforces the message from the National Institute of Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism that no amount of alcohol consumption during pregnancy is safe. Bakhireva believes that promoting abstinence from alcohol during pregnancy is crucial for maximizing positive health and developmental outcomes for children. She also emphasized the need to address alcohol use during pregnancy without the stigma often associated with it, in order to support the well-being of both mothers and their babies.
