Maternal drinking and the outcome of pregnancy: implications for child mental health

Abstract

Research since identification in 1973 of the fetal alcohol syndrome indicates that offspring of alcoholic women who drink heavily during pregnancy are at high risk for physical and mental deficiencies, and that even "social drinking" during pregnancy may have detrimental effects on birthweight and behavior of infants. While further research and remediation efforts are needed, primary prevention and active intervention in counseling and obstetrical clinics seem clearly and urgently called for.