Systematic review showed that low and moderate prenatal alcohol and nicotine exposure affected early child development

Aim: We systematically reviewed the literature on the influence of low and moderate amounts of prenatal alcohol and nicotine exposure on early child development. This paper also suggests possible directions for future research in order to tackle the controversial findings identified.

Methods: The PubMed and Web of Science electronic databases were searched together with the reference lists of the selected papers. Empirical studies were included if they focused on the effects of low or moderate exposure, reported outcomes on child development within the first 2 years of life and were published in English between January 2009 and December 2019. The eligibility of the included studies was based on three authors reading the full text.

Results: The final sample comprised 17 papers. Of these, 13 focused on the effects of prenatal alcohol exposure and they reported decreased sensory sensibility, smaller body sizes and increased cognitive capacities. The other four looked at prenatal nicotine exposure, and they primarily found impairments in children's orienting, communication and motor skills.

Conclusion: Any amount of prenatal alcohol and nicotine exposure appeared to risk healthy child development. There were many reasons for consumption and numerous effects on the child, but representative data from interdisciplinary research were missing.