The nutritional status of pregnant women in relation to alcohol consumption during pregnancy, and pregnancy outcome

[摘要] ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Introduction: Heavy alcohol consumption during pregnancy is teratogenic.49-51 A woman'snutritional requirements increase during pregnancy.4 The dangers of heavy drinking in thepresence of malnutrition may put the fetus at a further disadvantage to normal developmentand life.Objectives: To determine the nutritional status of pregnant women in relation to alcoholconsumption during pregnancy, and pregnancy outcome. To relate the combined effect ofmaternal alcohol consumption and nutritional status to pregnancy outcome.Study design: Prospective, longitudinal and cohort.Study population: Pregnant women attending Hanover Park MOU for pre-natal care. Theywere classified as subjects (heavy drinkers) or controls (light drinkers or abstainers), and 15pairs were matched according to race, parity and gestational age at the onset of theirparticipation in the study.Methodology: A skilled FARR worker determined the alcohol consumption of theindividuals through a validated questionnaire, whilst the investigator gathered the study datablinded to the participants' alcohol consumption status. The investigator conducted threeinterviews with the pregnant individuals. Anthropometrical, clinical and biochemicalinvestigations were done and questionnaires completed to determine dietary intake, sociodemographics,health and eating habits.An experienced FARR paediatrician examined the newborns, assessing their anthropometricstatus, health and the presence of any alcohol-related signs.Results: The nutritional status of the matched subjects and controls did not differsignificantly in terms of dietary intake, anthropometric or clinical assessment. There weresignificant differences between the 2 groups' serum vitamin A values (p<0.0097). Significantassociations were found between the mother and newborn data; specifically energy intake andgestational age at birth (p<0.0083), MUAC and birth weight (p<0.04), and weight gain and weight for age (p<0.0056). The participants' energy intake also had a significant correlationwith their weight gain during pregnancy (r=0.0389, p<0.01). The prevalence of FAS in thetotal population was 6.67%; a finding that confirms previously reported data in nearbyWellington, Western Cape.49Conclusion: Some mothers' good nutritional status did not protect their offspring againstalcohol's teratogenic effects. Nutritional status did have a few statistical significant effects onpregnancy. However, the investigator is of the opinion that the few significant findings werenot enough to accept or reject the hypothesis; therefore, making the results inconclusive.

[发布机构] Stellenbosch University