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

Introduction: Heavy alcohol consumption during pregnancy is teratogenic.[49][50][51] A woman's nutritional requirements increase during pregnancy.4 The dangers of heavy drinking in the presence of malnutrition may put the fetus at a further disadvantage to normal development and life.Objectives: To determine the nutritional status of pregnant women in relation to alcohol consumption during pregnancy, and pregnancy outcome.To relate the combined effect of maternal 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.They were classified as subjects (heavy drinkers) or controls (light drinkers or abstainers), and 15 pairs were matched according to race, parity and gestational age at the onset of their participation in the study.Methodology: A skilled FARR worker determined the alcohol consumption of the individuals through a validated questionnaire, whilst the investigator gathered the study data blinded to the participants' alcohol consumption status.The investigator conducted three interviews with the pregnant individuals.Anthropometrical, clinical and biochemical investigations were done and questionnaires completed to determine dietary intake, sociodemographics, health and eating habits.An experienced FARR paediatrician examined the newborns, assessing their anthropometric status, health and the presence of any alcohol-related signs.Results: The nutritional status of the matched subjects and controls did not differ significantly in terms of dietary intake, anthropometric or clinical assessment.There were significant differences between the 2 groups' serum vitamin A values (p<0.0097).Significant associations were found between the mother and newborn data; specifically energy intake and gestational age at birth (p<0.0083),MUAC and birth weight (p<0.04), and weight gain and iv weight for age (p<0.0056).The participants' energy intake also had a significant correlation with their weight gain during pregnancy (r=0.0389,p<0.01).The prevalence of FAS in the total population was 6.67%; a finding that confirms previously reported data in nearby Wellington, Western Cape.49 Conclusion: Some mothers' good nutritional status did not protect their offspring against alcohol's teratogenic effects.Nutritional status did have a few statistical significant effects on pregnancy.However, the investigator is of the opinion that the few significant findings were not enough to accept or reject the hypothesis; therefore, making the results inconclusive.v OPSOMMING Inleiding: Swaar alkoholgebruik tydens swangerskap is teratogenies.[49][50][51] Vroue se voedingsbehoeftes verhoog met swangerskap.4 Die gevare van swaar alkoholgebruik in die teenwoordigheid van wanvoeding mag die fetus verhoed om normal te ontwikkel en groei.Doelwitte: Om die voedingstatus van swanger vroue te bepaal in verhouding met alkoholgebruik tydens swangerskap, en die swangerskapsuitkoms.Asook om die gekombineerde effek van die moeder se voedingstatus en alkoholgebruik op haar swangerskapsuitkoms te bepaal.Studie-ontwerp: