rss
Evid Based Nurs 15:77-78 doi:10.1136/ebnurs-2012-100516
  • Midwifery
  • Systematic review and meta-analysis

The association between prenatal alcohol exposure, fetal growth and preterm birth: evidence from a systematic review and meta-analyses

  1. Colleen M O'Leary
  1. Centre for Population Health Research, Curtin Health Innovation Research Institute, Curtin University, Perth, Australia
  1. Correspondence to Colleen M O’Leary
    Centre for Population Health Research, Curtin Health Innovation Research Institute, Curtin University, Kent St, Bentley WA 6102, Australia; colleen.oleary{at}curtin.edu.au

Commentary on: Patra J, Bakker R, Irving H, et al. Dose-response relationship between alcohol consumption before and during pregnancy and the risks of low birthweight, preterm birth and small for gestational age (SGA)-a systematic review and meta-analyses. BJOG 2011;118:1411–21.

Implications for practice and research

  • ■ Women should be informed that a relatively low level of alcohol increases the risk of impaired fetal growth and preterm birth.

  • ■ Health professionals should advise pregnant women that since it is difficult to estimate how much alcohol they are consuming, avoiding alcohol is best for the baby.

  • ■ Pregnant women who drink heavily should be provided with counselling, antenatal services, and appropriate interventions in a non-judgemental and supportive environment.

  • ■ Research examining the association between the dose and pattern of maternal drinking and fetal outcomes is needed.

Context

Controversy surrounds the issue of alcohol and pregnancy. Whether …

[Full text of this article]

This Article

  1. Extract
  2. Full text
  3. PDF
  4. All Versions of this Article:
    1. ebnurs-2012-100516v1
    2. 15/3/77 most recent

Responses

  1. Submit a response
  2. No responses published

Social bookmarking

Free Sample

This recent issue is free to all users to allow everyone the opportunity to see the full scope and typical content of EBN.
View free sample issue >>

EBN Journal Chat

The EBN Journal Chat offers readers the opportunity to participate in discussion about research articles and commentaries from Evidence Based Nursing (EBN).

How to participate >>

Don't forget to sign up for content alerts so you keep up to date with all the articles as they are published.

Navigate This Article