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.