Alcohol Consumption During Pregnancy and Conduct Problems: A Brief Overview of the Literature.

Alcohol is widely consumed globally, with significant risks linked to both mental and physical health conditions. Alcohol exposure during pregnancy is prevalent, with nearly 10% of pregnant women worldwide consuming alcohol. There is no safe limit for alcohol intake during pregnancy, as even minimal exposure can cause severe developmental issues. This narrative review examines the impact of alcohol consumption during pregnancy on the development of specific conduct problems in the offspring, namely Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD) and Conduct Disorder (CD). A comprehensive review of existing literature was performed in PubMed, Google Scholar, and Scopus databases, which ended on May 05, 2023. Research indicates that sustained alcohol use during pregnancy worsens behavioral outcomes in children, including CD and ODD, especially those facing additional adverse social conditions, in complex interactions with maternal mental health. Ultimately, this study underscores the importance of early intervention and public health education to mitigate the effects of prenatal alcohol exposure on child development and behavior.