Head circumference at birth and exposure to tobacco, alcohol and illegal drugs during early pregnancy

Abstract

Aims We aimed to assess the effects of exposure to tobacco smoke, alcohol and illegal drugs during early pregnancy on the head circumference (HC) at birth of otherwise healthy neonates. Methods A follow-up study from the first trimester of pregnancy to birth was carried out in 419 neonates. An environmental reproductive health form was used to record data of substance exposure obtained during the first obstetric visit at the end of the first trimester. A multiple linear regression model was created for this purpose. Results Alcohol intake during pregnancy and medical ionizing radiation exposure were the most significant predictors of HC. The mothers’ alcohol consumption increased with the mothers’ and fathers’ education level, net family income and fathers’ alcohol consumption. In contrast, maternal smoking decreased with increasing mothers’ and fathers’ education level and net family income. About 13% of the surveyed embryos were exposed to illegal drugs. Conclusions Mild to moderate alcohol consumption diminishes the at-birth HC of theoretically healthy newborns in a linear form. There was no threshold dose. We perceived a need for increasing the awareness, and for training, of health care professionals and parents, in regard to risks of alcohol consumption and for recommending abstinence of these substances in both parents during pregnancy. It should also be remembered that medical ionizing radiation should be performed only during the first half of the cycle in fertile women. We think that our study has an important social impact as it affords data for implementing policies for promoting “healthy pregnancies”.

Pre-conception and prenatal alcohol exposure from mothers and fathers drinking and head circumference: results from the Norwegian Mother-Child Study (MoBa)

“…It is currently unknown whether in general population terms, head size is associated with varying levels of prenatal alcohol exposure, given the scant epidemiological evidence18192021, and again the potential for residual confounding.…”

Maternal risk factors for fetal alcohol spectrum disorders in a province in Italy

“…In Rome, antenatal clinic data indicated that 17.7% of women use alcohol during pregnancy and linked use to being unmarried, having had a previous induced abortion, and low parity (de Santis et al, 2011). In Spain, smaller head circumference at birth was associated with alcohol, illegal drug, and tobacco use, and maternal alcohol use was linked to low maternal and paternal education level, net family income, and father’s alcohol use (Ortega-Garcia et al, 2012). …”

Long term follow-up of a tobacco prevention and cessation program in cystic fibrosis patients

“…Unlike the natural tendency in many countries and regions, Murcia has increased slightly the prevalence of tobacco compared to previous years (MurciaSalud, 2006). Additionally, recent studies investigating the level of tobacco exposure indicate up to 62% of healthy children in Murcia are exposed to environmental tobacco smoke (Ortega-García et al, 2012b). Our findings are geographically significant, given that the smoking prevalence has increased in the Region of Murcia over the last 5 years (Ministry of Health, 2007; MurciaSalud, 2006).…”