Prenatal Alcohol Consumption Increase the Risk of Anemia in Pregnant Women: Study

A recent study published in the International Health journal highlighted a concerning connection between prenatal alcohol consumption and anemia during pregnancy. The research surveyed a total of 1,669 pregnant women attending antenatal care and found the need for targeted health interventions to protect maternal and fetal health. 

The study revealed that 14.86% of the pregnant women (with a 95% confidence interval of 13.23% to 16.65%) suffered from anemia. Anemia is a critical public health issue linked to poor maternal and fetal outcomes, particularly in developing regions. Symptoms often include fatigue, weakness, and complications during childbirth.

This study employed a facility-based retrospective cohort study method, using a two-stage random sampling technique to recruit participants. The data collection involved an interviewer-administered questionnaire, capturing information about alcohol consumption habits and other health indicators. Multivariable analysis with log-binomial regression modelling was employed to examine the relationship between alcohol exposure during pregnancy and anemia.

The results of this study indicate that hazardous alcohol consumption during pregnancy is a significant risk factor for anemia. Women who consumed alcohol at hazardous levels were 2.24 times more likely to develop anemia when compared to those who did not drink, with a 95% confidence interval of 1.60 to 3.15. The population-attributable risk of anemia related to hazardous alcohol consumption was found to be 7.68%. This means that nearly 8% of anemia cases among pregnant women could potentially be prevented by addressing and eliminating hazardous drinking during pregnancy.

The findings revealed the need for routine alcohol use screening during prenatal visits and the implementation of intervention programs for expectant mothers who consume alcohol. Educational campaigns to raise awareness about the risks of prenatal alcohol consumption could help reduce these health risks.

Anemia, already a significant cause of maternal morbidity and mortality in developing countries, becomes a more pressing issue when compounded by lifestyle factors such as hazardous drinking. Overall, the findings of this study adds to the growing data regarding lifestyle choices during pregnancy and their far-reaching health consequences for both the mother and child.

Source:

Addila, A. E., Azale, T., & Yitayal, M. (2025). Effect of prenatal alcohol consumption on maternal anemia among pregnant women in Gondar town, Northwest Ethiopia: a retrospective cohort study. International Health. https://doi.org/10.1093/inthealth/ihaf010