Researchers at the University College London have thrashed theories by old-time naysayers and have ushered in a new reality about alcohol and pregnancy - small amounts of alcohol during pregnancy does not increase the child’s future risk of behavioral problems. In the contrary, it actually improves the babies' behavior and vocabulary.
The boffins have defined "light" drinking as up to two drinks a week throughout pregnancy.
Environmental Birth Defects - Chemical Factors - Biological Sources - Diagnosis - Treatment - FAQs
Birth defects caused due to environmental teratogens like drugs, microorganisms or exposure to radiation are called as environmental birth defects.
Birth defects caused due to environmental teratogens like drugs, microorganisms or exposure to radiation are called as environmental birth defects.
However, experts were divided over whether the study was reassuring or could lull women into a false sense of security, reports BBC.
Although experts say pregnant women, or those trying to conceive, should avoid drinking alcohol, but if they do choose to drink, they should drink no more than one or two units of alcohol once or twice a week and should not get drunk, the researchers said.
Bubbles and Brews - Alcohol Facts-Nutritive Value-Safe Intake-Effects-Famous Quotes
There is more to alcohol than mere intoxication. Infamous because of its social abuse but indispensable because of its many industrial applications.
There is more to alcohol than mere intoxication. Infamous because of its social abuse but indispensable because of its many industrial applications.
In most severe cases, boozing can cause miscarriage or stillbirth, or permanent damage to the growing fetus.
Advertisement
Alcohol Self Screening Test
Take this anonymous self-test to evaluate your alcohol consumption and determine if your drinking pattern poses a risk for hazardous health conditions.
Take this anonymous self-test to evaluate your alcohol consumption and determine if your drinking pattern poses a risk for hazardous health conditions.
To reach the conclusion, the University College London team asked mothers about how much alcohol they had drunk during pregnancy when their babies were nine months old.
Advertisement
Scientists Identify How Binge Drinking can Batter Your Bones
A Loyola University Stritch School of Medicine study has found a possible mechanism by which alcohol weakens bones and decreases bone mass.
A Loyola University Stritch School of Medicine study has found a possible mechanism by which alcohol weakens bones and decreases bone mass.
Heavy drinking was regarded as seven or more units per week or at least six per occasion.
While 63percent of the mothers had abstained from alcohol completely during pregnancy, 29percent had been light drinkers, 6 percent moderate and 2 percent heavy, the study found, which has been published in the International Journal of Epidemiology.
The researchers then went back when the children were three to ask about their behavior and understanding.
The study found boys born to light drinkers were 40 percent less likely to have conduct problems and 30 percent less likely to be hyperactive than those whose mothers had abstained.
They also scored more highly on vocabulary tests and on identifying colors, shapes, letters and numbers.
Dr Yvonne Kelly, the epidemiologist who led the study, said: "Our research has found that light drinking by pregnant mothers does not increase the risk of behavioral problems and cognitive defects. The reasons behind these findings might in part be because light drinkers tend to be more socially advantaged than abstainers, rather than being due to the physical benefits of low level alcohol consumption seen, for example, in heart disease.
"However, it may also be that light-drinking mothers tend to be more relaxed themselves and this contributes to better behavioral and cognitive outcomes in their children."
Source-ANI
TAN/L
