June 17, 2013

expert reaction to new research into prenatal alcohol exposure and childhood balance ability

The BMJ Open published research which suggested moderate drinking during pregnancy does not seem to harm foetal neurodevelopment, as indicated by the child’s ability to balance.

Dr James Nicholls, Research Manager, Alcohol Research UK, said:

Alcohol Research UK provided funding towards this research

“The evidence-base on the impact of low alcohol consumption in pregnancy is limited, and this research makes an important contribution.  The findings suggest low to moderate alcohol consumption has little or no effect on the balance ability of children at school age.  Although this is only one measure of neurodevelopment, it should not be disregarded.  The debate on advice to women in pregnancy is an important one, and many people will argue that the ‘precautionary principle’ of advising no alcohol at all should hold.  However, while advice needs to be clear, we should also take note of evidence which points to the conclusion that small amounts of alcohol are not a significant risk.”

‘Prenatal alcohol exposure and childhood balance ability: findings from a UK birth cohort study’ by Macleod et al. published in BMJ Open on Monday 17th June.