Effects of maternal ethanol infusion during pregnancy on the growth and development of children at four to seven years of age.

Twenty-five children whose mothers had been given ethanol for the arrest of preterm labor were evaluated at 4 to 7 years of age and compared with matched control subjects. The group as a whole showed no major differences from control subjects. However, when a subgroup of children born during or within 15 hours of termination of the infusion was investigated, significant pathology in developmental and personality evaluations were noted. It is concluded that if ethanol infusion is to be used, the patient should be carefully evaluated during the infusion. If it appears that labor is progressing, the infusion should be discontinued so as to allow a maximal drug-free interval before delivery.