Prenatal alcohol use among teenagers: effects on neonatal outcomes.

BACKGROUND

This longitudinal study examines the effects of alcohol use during pregnancy on the growth and gestational age at birth of 413 offspring of adolescents.

METHODS

Data were collected during 1990 to 1994. The adolescents were from a prenatal clinic in Pittsburgh, PA. They were interviewed at mid-pregnancy and at delivery to obtain information on alcohol and other substance use before and during pregnancy. Infants were examined 24 to 36 hr after birth.

RESULTS

The average maternal age was 16.3 (12-18) years; 68% were African American. Prenatal exposure to alcohol during the second trimester was significantly related to decreases in head circumference, birthweight, and chest circumference. There was also a significant relationship between alcohol exposure in each trimester and lower Apgar scores. All of the analyses controlled for other prenatal substance use and covariates of drinking during pregnancy.

CONCLUSION

Prenatal alcohol exposure is associated with decreases in fetal growth and in APGAR scores in the offspring of adolescents.