A time series analysis of the impact of the alcohol warning label on antenatal drinking.

In a sample of over 12,000 African-American gravidas, we tested the hypothesis that the Federal Beverage Labeling Act of 1988 has decreased antenatal drinking. Results of time series analysis indicated a 7-month lag in the impact of the alcohol warning label. Controlling for population changes, antenatal drinking began to fall as of June 1990. However, this decrease was small in size and did not impact on the heaviest drinkers. Seasonal trends in drinking were also detected, with peaks around the end of the year and the summer.