TY - JOUR T1 - The association between prenatal alcohol exposure, fetal growth and preterm birth: evidence from a systematic review and meta-analyses JF - Evidence Based Nursing JO - Evid Based Nurs SP - 77 LP - 78 DO - 10.1136/ebnurs-2012-100516 VL - 15 IS - 3 AU - Colleen M O'Leary Y1 - 2012/07/01 UR - http://ebn.bmj.com/content/15/3/77.abstract N2 - 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.OpenUrlCrossRefPubMed ■ 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. Controversy surrounds the issue of alcohol and pregnancy. Whether … ER -