In Ireland a higher number of women drink alcohol during pregnancy in comparison to many other similar countries around the world. Despite the fact that alcohol is not recommended during pregnancy, a recent study in Cork found that 80% of Irish women consume alcohol during pregnancy and 30% engage in binge drinking during pregnancy. Experts at the United Kingdom’s Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists recently highlighted that binge drinking in early pregnancy may be particularly harmful to the unborn baby. Alcohol consumption during pregnancy is associated with poorer brain development and may lead to an increased risk of behavioural, social and intellectual difficulties in childhood. This study will compare the children of mothers who did not consume alcohol during pregnancy to those who consumed alcohol at various times and to varying levels during pregnancy. Secondly, it will examine any differences between childhood behavioural or intellectual difficulties between the two groups. This project may help reinforce the dangers of alcohol consumption during pregnancy and could help in the development of educational campaigns for pregnant women and those who are planning pregnancy.
