Report Shows Alcohol Use During Pregnancy Persists

New research indicates that some pregnant women continue to consume alcohol, despite known risks to fetal development. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released the data, which examined alcohol use among pregnant women in the United States.

Alcohol exposure during pregnancy can cause a range of birth defects, collectively known as fetal alcohol spectrum disorders, or FASD. These disorders can manifest in physical, behavioral, and intellectual disabilities.

Researchers analyzed data from national surveys and health records to determine the prevalence of alcohol use during pregnancy between 2018 and 2022. The findings revealed that a percentage of pregnant women reported consuming alcohol at some point during their pregnancy.

Dr. Sarah Jones, a lead researcher on the study, stated, "Our data underscores the importance of ongoing public health campaigns to educate women about the risks of alcohol consumption during pregnancy." She added that these campaigns should emphasize that there is no safe amount of alcohol to consume during pregnancy.

Public health officials recommend complete abstinence from drinking alcohol for women who are pregnant, or who plan to become pregnant. Early intervention services can improve outcomes for children affected by FASD, according to the CDC.

The CDC stated that further research is necessary to determine the most effective strategies for preventing alcohol use during pregnancy and supporting families affected by FASD.