In a study that attempts to address the very controversial issue of alcohol consumption during pregnancy, scientists from the University College London and Oxford University have published their results examining child development of over 11,000 children born between year 2000 and 2002.  Their conclusion is that light alcohol consumption while pregnant does not impair child development during the first five years of life.

11,523 children and their mothers were examined, mothers questioned about alcohol consumption during pregnancy.  Scientists classified intake as (a) “teetotalers,” (b) light drinkers (1-2 units/wk), (c)moderate (3-6 units/wk) and (d) heavy (7+ units/wk).  Of the study population, about 5,000 women admitted to some level of alcohol consumption, 25% reporting light intake, 5.5% moderate intake and 2.5% heavy consumption.  Mothers were first questioned about their child’s behavior at the age of three followed by intellectual testing at the age of five.  Children were measured using cognitive testing such as vocabulary tests, choosing of visually similar objects and matching patterns.  Additional subjective measures were examined as well such as mother-child “closeness” and the mother’s role as a disciplinarian.   Overall, scientists discovered that children born to light drinkers were 30% less likely to display behavioral issues than children of mothers who fully abstained during pregnancy.  Children born to heavy drinkers, on the other hand were more likely to suffer from hyperactivity and emotional issues when compared to children of non-drinking mothers.

While researchers pointed out that children of light drinkers actually “appeared” to be more advanced developmentally, they do not believe that alcohol supports intellectual advancement.  Rather, complex factors such as educational level and job status of the mother may well play a role.  Scientists go on to state that “we are not in a position to advocate what women should or should not do during their pregnancies.”  The research team, however, does believe that responsible alcohol intake during pregnancy does not place the child at long term risk.