Persistence over the first month of neurobehavioral differences in infants exposed to alcohol prenatally. Coles, Claire D; Smith, Iris E; Lancaster, Juliana S; Falek, Arthur. Infant Behavior & Development. Vol 10(1) Jan-Mar 1987, 23-37.

Abstract:

Abstract:
31 infants of women who (a) never drank, (b) continued drinking (13.34 oz, absolute alcohol [AA] per week) throughout pregnancy, or (c) stopped drinking (16.25 oz, AA) in the 2nd trimester were assessed at 3 days, 14 days, and 30 days with the Brazelton Neonatal Behavioral Assessment Scale. Over the 1st mo, differences were found among the groups in motor performance, autonomic regulation, and abnormal reflexive behavioral clusters. The performance of Ss whose mothers continued to drink was less optimal, and these Ss showed less improvement over time in these areas. It is concluded that there are real and persistent nervous system differences during the 1st mo in children exposed to alcohol prenatally.