Women warned to ignore ‘wine is good while pregnant’ study
Health Friday, June 18th, 2010Health authorities go to great lengths to educate women about the dangers of drinking alcohol while they’re pregnant.
Now, a new study of nearly 3000 mothers by an Australian researcher has concluded that women who drink a glass of wine a day in the first three months of pregnancy may have better behaved children than those who don’t drink at all, or those who drink heavily.
But these new mothers in wellington today weren’t buying it
“The studies that come out, in five or ten years they might say oh, we were wrong. That often happens and a life is a little much to gamble with,” one told 3 News.
“I wouldn’t drink at all, a study wouldn’t make a difference for me,” said another.
The women in the study were interviewed during pregnancy, then this was followed up with regular interviews over 14 years against child behaviour checklists
“Looking at children from the age of 2 – 14 that low amounts of alcohol consumed by the mother during pregnancy resulted in less behavioural problems in the children throughout childhood and adolescence,” says Dr Monique Robinson.
She says it’s not known whether this is due to the antioxidant properties of wine, the cardiovascular effects of alcohol, or simply because it reduces maternal stress.
But Robinson warns that high amounts of alcohol are known to have devastating effects on a foetus and says pregnant women should still adhere to national guidelines
“Currently the Ministry Of Health guidelines are, because the risks of drinking alcohol in pregnancy aren’t known, that the safest thing to do is drink no alcohol at all,” says Dr Joelon Hays.
But he says the research may provide reassurance to women who have a drink or two before discovering they’re pregnant.
The Ministry Of Health also advises women who are trying to get pregnant to avoid drinking alcohol.
- 3 News
