Pregnant binge drinking 'affects child's behaviour'

Conclusion This study found that children of mothers who binge-drank during pregnancy had slightly increased levels of hyperactivity and behaviour problems at age seven, according to their parents. However, this effect was not strong enough to result in an increase in risk of hyperactivity or behaviour problems (defined as having a score above a cut-off), or in problems with emotion or with peers. There are several limitations of this study, most of which were acknowledged by the researchers: This is a cohort study and therefore it cannot show that binge drinking caused the slight increase in hyperactivity and behaviour problems. The mothers who binge-drank during late pregnancy were different to other mothers: they were less well educated, more likely to smoke, and more likely to have at least one psychiatric diagnosis. This suggests other factors could be responsible for the association seen that were not adjusted for. Parents reported on the child’s behaviour and emotional development, which could lead to inaccurate or biased reporting. In light of the evidence provided in the study it would appear unlikely that a few too many glasses of wine during pregnancy – while certainly not recommended – will permanently influence how a child will develop emotionally in later life. Childhood emotional development is an extremely complex issue and many parents whose children do develop behavioural and emotional problems will find that they do so for no apparent...
Source: NHS News Feed - Category: Consumer Health News Tags: Pregnancy/child Mental health Neurology Source Type: news