Effects of light ethanol consumption during pregnancy: increased frequency of minor anomalies in the newborn and altered contractility of umbilical cord artery.

This study explores the effects of light maternal ethanol consumption during pregnancy on the appearance of minor malformations in neonates as well as on the contractile properties of their umbilical cord arteries (UCAs). Clinical external findings of newborns of women declaring light ethanol consumption during any period of their pregnancies [ethanol-exposed group (E group), n=79] were compared with those of nonexposed mothers [nonexposed to ethanol group (NE group), n=100]. Women who smoked or had any associated pathology were excluded.