Prenatal Alcohol Exposure and Miscarriage, Stillbirth, Preterm Delivery, and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome

In addition to fetal alcohol syndrome and fetal alcohol spectrum disorders, prenatal alcohol exposure is associated with many other adverse pregnancy and birth outcomes. Research suggests that alcohol use during pregnancy may increase the risk of miscarriage, stillbirth, preterm delivery, and sudden infant death syndrome. This research has some inherent difficulties, such as the collection of accurate information about alcohol consumption during pregnancy and controlling for comorbid exposures and conditions. Consequently, attributing poor birth outcomes to prenatal alcohol exposure is a complicated and ongoing task, requiring continued attention to validated methodology and to identifying specific biological mechanisms. KEY WORDS: Prenatal alcohol exposure; pregnancy; pregnancy outcomes; childbirth; miscarriage; stillbirth; preterm delivery; sudden infant death syndrome; animal studies; human studies; literature review As has been detailed throughout this issue, prenatal alcohol exposure is a risk factor for many adverse physical and behavioral outcomes. Growth retardation, including intrauterine growth restriction, facial dysmorphology, and neurodevelo