ALSPAC is well placed to answer the question of whether episodic binge-pattern drinking in pregnancy is associated with risk to offspring. Data were collected prospectively during pregnancy, the sample reflects a large population-based cohort and outcome data were obtained from a range of sources. Another advantage is that these exposure data were collected during 1991–1992 when attitudes to drinking in pregnancy were different in the UK and there was less stigma about reporting alcohol consumption whilst pregnant. The majority of mothers who reported consuming ≥4 drinks in a day at the first time point also reported this at the second, suggesting that this pattern of drinking might have persisted across the second and third trimesters. However, if under-reporting and drinking that takes place prior to pregnancy recognition are also taken into account, we may have under-estimated the level of exposure. The multivariable analyses adjusted for a wide range of factors that were potentially associated with the exposure and outcome, including paternal characteristics and postnatal factors such as maternal mental health and binge pattern of drinking. Furthermore, there was no adverse
