Abstract
The effect of alcohol consumption in pregnancy
depends on the amount of alcohol consumed each time, the frequency and
duration of alcohol use and maternal factors such as body composition.
Article Extract
Alcohol use in pregnancy is teratogenic, however, it is one
of the few modifiable risk factors for poor pregnancy, perinatal,
childhood and later outcomes. Up to 60% of women in Australia report
drinking alcohol during pregnancy, and 80% drink alcohol in the
three-month period before conception. It is likely that rates of fetal
exposure to alcohol are increasing because rising rates of risky and
binge drinking behaviours have been documented in young Australian women
over recent years and almost half of all pregnancies in Australia are
unplanned.
