Alcohol consumption and the risk of miscarriage: a meta-analysis of observational studies.

Abstract

Abstract Background: The objective of this meta-analysis was to evaluate the correlation between maternal alcohol consumption before and during pregnancy and the risk of miscarriage. Methods: As of 31 May 2023, studies searched by using PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library, as well as keywords and MeSH terms. Stata and Review Manager were used for statistical analysis. Individual study estimates were pooled using random effects (if heterogeneity, I2 ≥ 50% and p < 0.05) or fixed effects (if heterogeneity, I2 < 50% and p > 0.05) meta-analysis. Publication bias was evaluated through a funnel plot and Egger's test. Results: A total of 19 studies were included in this analysis. The pooling analysis demonstrates that alcohol consumption prior to conception is linked to an elevated risk of miscarriage (OR = 1.05; 95% CI: 1.03-1.08). Furthermore, alcohol consumption during pregnancy is associated with an increased risk of miscarriage (OR = 1.36; 95% CI: 1.18-1.57). Subgroup analysis reveals that both light (OR = 1.06; 95% CI: 1.04-1.09) and moderate (OR = 1.06; 95% CI: 1.03-1.08) alcohol intake before pregnancy is linked to an elevated risk of miscarriage. Similarly, light (OR = 1.08; 95% CI: 1.02-1.15), moderate (OR = 1.26; 95% CI: 1.07-1.49), and heavy (OR = 1.87; 95% CI: 1.21-2.89) alcohol consumption during pregnancy is associated with an increased risk of miscarriage. Conclusions: Our study identified a potential association between alcohol consumption, both before and during pregnancy, and the risk of miscarriage. Accordingly, it is advisable for women preparing for pregnancy to refrain from alcohol consumption. The protocol of the study was registered in PROSPERO with the identification number CRD42023430749.