Study sheds new light on drinking during pregnancy debate

Occasional light drinking of alcohol during pregnancy does not increase a baby’s risk of behavioral difficulties or cognitive deficits, new research suggests. Latest findings from University College London (UCL) show that while heavy drinking can be linked to such developmental problems in infants, consuming one to two units of alcohol a week does not put an unborn child at higher risk.

“Our research has found that light drinking by pregnant mothers does not increase the risk of behavioural difficulties or cognitive deficits,” said lead author of the report, Dr Yvonne Kelly, UCL Epidemiology & Public Health.

“Indeed, for some behavioural and cognitive outcomes children born to light drinkers were less likely to have problems compared to children of abstinent mothers.”

According to the research, boys born to mothers who drank lightly while pregnant were 40 per cent less likely to have ‘conduct’ problems and 30 per cent less likely to be hyperactive.

Dr Kelly suggested: “Light-drinking mothers tend to be more relaxed themselves and this contributes to better behavioural and cognitive outcomes in their children.”

However, until further research has been done expectant mums are advised to avoid alcohol consumption during pregnancy.