Little Evidence that Light Drinking in Pregnancy is Harmful, study

There is 'surprisingly limited' evidence that light drinking during pregnancy is harmful to the baby, say experts.

A team of researchers from the University of Bristol analysed 26 relevant studies and looked at complications of pregnancy and birth characteristics, as well as longer term issues and behavioural difficulties typical of foetal alcohol syndrome - a consequence of heavy drinking in pregnancy.

The research, published in the online journal BMJ Open, showed that drinking up to four units a week (no more than two small drinks) while pregnant, was linked with an 8 per cent higher risk of having a small baby, compared with drinking no alcohol at all . The findings also suggested that drinking was linked to a heightened risk of premature birth, although this was less clear.

While women who have consumed small amounts of alcohol during pregnancy might be reassured, the team has warned that their findings don't mean it is completely safe. They say their review confirms that women should avoid all alcohol throughout pregnancy 'just in case,' which is line with current NHS guidelines. They have also called for more research on the effects of light alcohol consumption during pregnancy.

"Women who have had a drink while pregnant should be reassured that they are unlikely to have caused their baby considerable harm, but if worried, they should discuss this with their GP or midwife," the researchers wrote.

"Evidence of the effects of drinking up to 32 g/week in pregnancy is sparse. As there was some evidence that even light prenatal alcohol consumption is associated with being SGA [underweight] and preterm delivery, guidance could advise abstention as a precautionary principle."

Carmel Lloyd Head of Education at the Royal College of Midwives, said she hoped the research will help women make an informed decision about drinking during pregnancy.

"We support the view of the research authors and our advice also remains that if you are pregnant or thinking of becoming pregnant then it is better to remove any doubt about the impact of alcohol and not drink it," Lloyd commented.

"However, this must be about women making a choice and what is important is that they make that choice based upon the best available evidence.

"If pregnant women have concerns about their level of alcohol consumption in pregnancy, we encourage them to speak to their midwife who will be able to offer them advice and support."

NETDOCTOR.