Dads All-Alcohol-Habit Affects Fetuses, Too – Parents – TODAY.com
https://www.parents.com/pregnancy/everything-pregnancy/dads-all-alcohol-habit-affects-fetuses-too/
Oct 8, 2018 – When people think of fetal alcohol syndrome, they often think of the negative effects of a mother drinking alcohol during pregnancy. However, a new study finds that a father’s drinking habits may also affect his offspring, even if the mother abstains.
Prenatal alcohol exposure has been linked to a range of developmental problems, including physical, cognitive, and behavioral issues. These problems can range from mild to severe, and can last a lifetime. In the United States, about 1 in 50 children is born with FASD.
Most people are aware of the risks of drinking alcohol during pregnancy, but many are not aware that a father’s drinking habits can also affect his offspring. A new study, published in the journal JAMA Psychiatry, found that children whose fathers drank alcohol before conception were more likely to have behavioral problems, such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and conduct disorder.
The study included over 1,000 children and their parents. The researchers collected data on the parents’ drinking habits before and during pregnancy. They also assessed the children’s behavior at ages 6 and 12.
The researchers found that children whose fathers drank alcohol before conception were more likely to have behavioral problems, even if the mothers abstained. The more alcohol the fathers drank, the more likely the children were to have problems.
The study’s findings suggest that a father’s drinking habits can have a lasting impact on his child’s development. Even if the mother abstains from alcohol during pregnancy, a father’s drinking habits can still increase the risk of behavioral problems in his children.
This study is the first to show that a father’s drinking habits can affect his offspring, even if the mother abstains. The findings suggest that fathers need to be aware of the risks of drinking alcohol before conception and during pregnancy.
If you are a father, it is important to talk to your doctor about the risks of drinking alcohol before conception and during pregnancy. Your doctor can help you develop a plan to reduce your risk of having a child with FASD.
Here are some tips for fathers who want to reduce their risk of having a child with FASD:
* Avoid drinking alcohol before conception and during pregnancy.
* If you do drink alcohol, limit your intake to one drink per day.
* Talk to your doctor about the risks of drinking alcohol before conception and during pregnancy.
* If you are concerned about your drinking habits, seek help from a treatment program.
By following these tips, you can help reduce your risk of having a child with FASD.
### What is FASD?
Fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASDs) are a group of conditions that can occur in children whose mothers drank alcohol during pregnancy. FASDs can range in severity from mild to severe, and can affect a child’s physical, cognitive, and behavioral development.
The most severe form of FASD is fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS). Children with FAS have a characteristic set of facial features, growth problems, and intellectual disabilities.
Other FASDs include:
* Partial fetal alcohol syndrome (PFAS): Children with PFAS have some of the same features as children with FAS, but they may not have all of the features.
* Alcohol-related neurodevelopmental disorder (ARND): Children with ARND have learning and behavioral problems that are related to their mother’s alcohol use during pregnancy.
* Alcohol-related birth defects (ARBDs): Children with ARBDs have physical birth defects that are related to their mother’s alcohol use during pregnancy.
### What causes FASDs?
FASDs are caused by exposure to alcohol during pregnancy. Alcohol can cross the placenta and reach the developing fetus. Alcohol can damage the fetus’s brain and other organs, leading to FASDs.
The risk of having a child with FASD is highest for women who drink heavily during pregnancy. However, even moderate alcohol use during pregnancy can increase the risk of having a child with FASD.
### How are FASDs diagnosed?
FASDs are diagnosed by a doctor or other healthcare professional. The doctor will ask about the mother’s alcohol use during pregnancy and will examine the child for signs of FASDs.
The doctor may also order tests, such as a CT scan or MRI, to help diagnose FASDs.
### How are FASDs treated?
There is no cure for FASDs. However, early intervention can help to improve a child’s development and reduce the effects of FASDs.
Treatment for FASDs may include:
* Special education services
* Speech therapy
* Physical therapy
* Occupational therapy
* Behavioral therapy
Early intervention can help to improve a child’s development and reduce the effects of FASDs. However, it is important to note that FASDs can have a lifelong impact on a child’s development.
### How can FASDs be prevented?
FASDs can be prevented by avoiding alcohol during pregnancy. If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, it is important to talk to your doctor about the risks of drinking alcohol during pregnancy.
You can also help to prevent FASDs by:
* Talking to your friends and family about the risks of drinking alcohol during pregnancy.
* Supporting women who are trying to quit drinking alcohol.
* Donating to organizations that support women who are trying to quit drinking alcohol.
By taking these steps, you can help to prevent FASDs and protect the health of children..
