Contrary to popular belief, rather than damaging an unborn baby when drinking moderately, new reports reveal that it could actually have a significant positive impact on their behavior and development.
Overindulging in alcohol when pregnant is still advised against as there are strong links with severe effects on the developing foetus. One or two units of alcohol per week however, has shown to
not affect the baby, as a study of almost 12,5000 toddlers shows.
Results of the study reveal that babies whose mothers drank moderately during pregnancy were shown to have less emotional problems and improved cognitive skills, compared to babies born to women who drank heavily or not at all.
In fact research of some 12,495 British three year olds proved that under no circumstances, at any stage of pregnancy, would light drinking have any effect on the mental development of the foetus or child.
Dr Yvonne Kelly of University College London led the study, which was published in the International Journal Of Epidemiology, and reports,
“Our research has found that light drinking does not increase the risk of behavioural difficulties or cognitive deficits [in the baby],”
“Indeed, for some behavioural and cognitive outcomes, those born to light drinkers were less likely to have problems compared to children of abstinent mothers, although those born to heavy drinkers were more likely to have problems compared to children of mothers who drank nothing while pregnant.”
The research shows that boys born to mothers who drank a little, were up to 40 per cent less likely to have “conduct” problems as well as being 30 per cent less likely to cope with hyperactivity, than those born to tee-total mothers, regardless of external factors such as social class and family background.
There was also evidence to show that boys born to light drinkers performed better in various categories including vocabulary, perception of colour, shapes, letters and numbers, than boys born to abstinate mothers. Additionally, girls whose mothers drank moderately during pregnancy were 30 per cent less likely to have emotional problems or to suffer peer pressure than girls born to mothers who did not drink at all.
Previous studies show that it is common for women who drink moderately during their pregnancy to be well educated or have a professional career than those who abstain or drink a lot.
“People in lower social groups are more likely to abstain from alcohol or drink more heavily than socially-advantaged groups. We can’t rule out the effects of social standing on drinking patterns,” Dr Kelly said.
“However, it may be that light-drinking mothers tend to be more relaxed and this contributes to better behavioural and cognitive outcomes in children.”
At the moment, Government guidelines suggest women avoid alcohol altogether in the first trimester of pregnancy, to reduce the risk of miscarriage. After that, women should enjoy a maximum of two units per week and should refrain from binge drinking.
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