Abstract
The aim of the study was to investigate the influence of alcohol exposure during pregnancy on a mother’s responsiveness towards
her infant after birth. Using longitudinal data from a subsample of 687 mother–infant dyads from a UK cohort study (Avon Longitudinal
Study of Parents and Children), we investigated the influence of alcohol use during mid- and late pregnancy on observed mother–infant
interactions after birth. We found that women who drank one or more glasses of alcohol a week during their mid-trimester of
pregnancy were 19 % (95 % CI, 1 to 40 %; p = 0.033) more likely to show non-responsive behaviour towards their infant 12 months after birth. In contrast, we found that
alcohol use during late pregnancy was not associated with later maternal responsiveness. This study adds to the growing evidence
for the importance of factors during pregnancy on later maternal responsiveness. Further research is needed to replicate these
findings and to examine potential mechanisms linking maternal responsiveness to alcohol use during pregnancy.
her infant after birth. Using longitudinal data from a subsample of 687 mother–infant dyads from a UK cohort study (Avon Longitudinal
Study of Parents and Children), we investigated the influence of alcohol use during mid- and late pregnancy on observed mother–infant
interactions after birth. We found that women who drank one or more glasses of alcohol a week during their mid-trimester of
pregnancy were 19 % (95 % CI, 1 to 40 %; p = 0.033) more likely to show non-responsive behaviour towards their infant 12 months after birth. In contrast, we found that
alcohol use during late pregnancy was not associated with later maternal responsiveness. This study adds to the growing evidence
for the importance of factors during pregnancy on later maternal responsiveness. Further research is needed to replicate these
findings and to examine potential mechanisms linking maternal responsiveness to alcohol use during pregnancy.
- Content Type Journal Article
- Category Original Article
- Pages 1-11
- DOI 10.1007/s00737-012-0305-z
- Authors
- R. M. Pearson, School of Social and Community Medicine, University of Bristol, Oakfield House, Oakfield Grove, Clifton, Bristol, BS8 2BN UK
- J. Heron, School of Social and Community Medicine, University of Bristol, Oakfield House, Oakfield Grove, Clifton, Bristol, BS8 2BN UK
- R. Melotti, School of Social and Community Medicine, University of Bristol, Oakfield House, Oakfield Grove, Clifton, Bristol, BS8 2BN UK
- C. Joinson, School of Social and Community Medicine, University of Bristol, Oakfield House, Oakfield Grove, Clifton, Bristol, BS8 2BN UK
- J. Evans, School of Social and Community Medicine, University of Bristol, Oakfield House, Oakfield Grove, Clifton, Bristol, BS8 2BN UK
- Journal Archives of Women’s Mental Health
- Online ISSN 1435-1102
- Print ISSN 1434-1816