Alcohol abuse during pregnancy

Abstract

The aim of the study was to assess the prevalence of alcohol use in pregnancy, and the rate of congenital malformations in children who were exposed in utero to this xenobiotic. One part of the study was performed at the Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Genetic Counseling Unit, and the Department of Pathology and Histology in Novi Sad, Serbia. The other part of the study was performed in four maternity hospitals in Zagreb, Croatia. Only pregnant women using alcohol during pregnancy were included in the study. After the delivery or abortion, the newborns and fetuses were thoroughly examined and followed-up for the occurrence of minor or major malformations. Data analysis showed the use of alcohol during pregnancy in 21 (0.3%) women. Malformations were found in 2 (9.5%) fetuses. The rate of congenital malformations was similar to their prevalence in general population (5-10%). However, the use of alcohol should be avoided during pregnancy.