Investigating the effects of low to moderate levels of prenatal alcohol exposure on child behaviour: A critical review

Conflicting findings exist regarding the risks of low to moderate levels of alcohol use during pregnancy. A recent study from Australia has suggested that mild gestational drinking is not associated with adverse fetal effects, and may even be associated with favorable outcomes as compared to "no drinking".The study may lead women to continue consuming alcohol throughout pregnancy, despite methodological limitations that render its conclusions uncertain. This review discusses the challenges of assessing long-term effects of moderate drinking during pregnancy. Recommendations are provided for researchers investigating the effects of prenatal alcohol consumption on subsequent developmental outcomes in children.