To the Editor: We concur with Chan and Sullivan regarding the importance of targeting modifiable risk factors, such as smoking during pregnancy, to improve perinatal outcomes.1 Alcohol consumption during pregnancy is another important modifiable risk factor. Alcohol exposure in utero is associated with growth retardation, birth defects, and impaired development and neurological function. Individuals exposed to alcohol in utero may have lifelong medical and psychosocial problems.2
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- 1. Chan DL, Sullivan EA. Teenage smoking in pregnancy and birthweight: a population study, 2001–2004. Med J Aust 2008; 188: 392-396. <MJA full text>
- 2. Elliott EJ, Payne JM, Morris A, et al. Fetal alcohol syndrome: a prospective national surveillance study. Arch Dis Child 2007; Aug 17 [Epub ahead of print]. doi: 10.1136/adc.2007.120220.
- 3. Peadon E, Payne J, Henley N, et al. Alcohol and pregnancy: Australian women’s knowledge, attitudes and practice [abstract]. J Paediatr Child Health 2007; 43: A12.
- 4. Laws PJ, Abeywardana S, Walker J, Sullivan EA. Australia’s mothers and babies 2005. Sydney: Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, 2007. (AIHW Cat No. PER 40; Perinatal statistics series No. 20.)
We acknowledge the support of the National Health and Medical Research Council and the Healthway Promotion Foundation of Western Australia.