Little evidence that binge drinking while pregnant seriously harms fetusNovember 14, 2007Systematic review of the fetal effects of prenatal binge drinking There is little substantive evidence that binge drinking while pregnant seriously harms the developing fetus, finds a study in the Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health. Consistently heavy drinking throughout pregnancy has been associated with birth defects and subsequent neurological problems. But it is not known what impact binge drinking, in the absence of regular heavy drinking, might have. And this drinking pattern is becoming increasingly common, particularly among women, say the authors. Their findings are based on a comprehensive review of published research on binge drinking and women who were either pregnant or trying to conceive. Binge drinking was taken to mean downing five or more alcoholic drinks in one go, equivalent to 60 g of alcohol or 7.5 units. The period under review spanned 35 years from 1970 to 2005, and unearthed more than 3500 articles, which were narrowed down to 14 pieces of relevant research. The researchers noted some methodological flaws in the 14 studies, although they were all assessed as being of good quality. The results indicated that there was little substantive evidence that binge drinking caused a range of problems, including miscarriage, stillbirth, abnormal birthweight or birth defects, such as fetal alcohol syndrome. But there was some suggestion that it might impair normal neurodevelopment, although the effects were generally quite small, say the authors. These included "disinhibited behaviour," reduced verbal IQ, an increased tendency towards delinquent behaviour, learning problems and poorer academic performance. They point out that the timing of binge drinking might be important, and that there may be more impact during the first 13 weeks of pregnancy, for example. "This systematic review found no convincing evidence of adverse effects of prenatal binge drinking, except possibly on neurodevelopmental outcomes," they write. They suggest that further research is required, but in the meantime it might be wise to advise women to avoid binge drinking during pregnancy, just in case. But they add: "When pregnant women report isolated episodes of binge drinking in the absence of a consistently high daily alcohol intake, as is often the case, it is important to avoid inducing unnecessary anxiety, as, at present, the evidence of risk seems minimal." BMJ-British Medical Journal |
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| Related Binge Drinking Current Events and Binge Drinking News Articles Tanked-up teens: Cheap alcohol strongly linked to harmful underage drinking in the UK Researchers writing in the open access journal BMC Public Health studied the drinking habits of 9833 15-16 year olds in the North West of England, finding that excessively low cost alcohol products and illicit purchase are strongly related to harmful underage drinking. UK incidence of children living with substance-misusing parents considerably underestimated Current figures underestimate the number of children who may be at risk of harm from parental substance use. Researchers writing in the open access journal BMC Public Health have generated new estimates using five national surveys which include measures of binge, hazardous and dependent drinking, illicit drug use and mental health. Binge drinkers let down guard against infection As if a bad hangover wasn't enough of a deterrent, new research has shown how binge drinking weakens the body's ability to fight off infection for at least 24 hours afterwards. Heavy-drinking colleges showing no improvements U.S. colleges with the biggest student drinking problems have so far failed to turn the tide, according to a new study. Rate of teen binge drinking cut more than 1/3 by prevention system Rates of binge drinking were 37 percent lower among eighth-grade students in communities in seven states that used a prevention system designed to reduce drug use and delinquent behavior compared to teenagers in communities that did not use the system. A double-threat to teen health As teens head back to school, health teachers may want to revise their lesson plans. Temple researchers have found that kids who engage in heavy drinking will more than likely also engage in heavy smoking, and they say educators can help combat the trend by addressing both topics as one health risk. Higher drinking age linked to less binge drinking...except in college students New research from Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis has found substantial reductions in binge drinking since the national drinking age was set at 21 two decades ago, with one exception: college students. College drinking problems, deaths on the rise Alcohol-related deaths, heavy drinking episodes and drunk driving have all been on the rise on college campuses over the past decade, a new government study shows. Colleges, communities combat off-campus student drinking Programs that bring colleges and their surrounding neighborhoods together may help reduce off-campus drinking problems, a new study suggests. Zero tolerance alcohol policy good choice for parents Restaurants in Germany legally sell alcohol to teenagers after their sixteenth birthdays and French children drink wine with dinner at an early age, but U.S. parents who follow this relaxed European example, believing it fosters a healthier attitude toward alcohol, should be careful -- it may increase the likelihood that their children binge drink in college. More Binge Drinking Current Events and Binge Drinking News Articles |
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