Alcohol use among pregnant women has long been known to cause a range of birth defects, including fetal alcohol syndrome, which can cause lifelong physical, mental, and behavioral problems. Now, a new study finds that dads’ alcohol use can also lead to adverse outcomes in their children. The study, published in the journal JAMA Internal Medicine, found that men who drank more than six drinks per week had a greater risk of having children with fetal growth restriction (FGR), a condition in which a baby is born smaller than expected for its gestational age. FGR can lead to a range of complications, including premature birth, low birth weight, and long-term developmental problems. The study included data from over 1,000 couples who were followed during pregnancy. The researchers found that men who drank more than six drinks per week had a 25% increased risk of having a child with FGR. This risk was even higher for men who drank more than 12 drinks per week, who had a 40% increased risk of having a child with FGR. The study also found that the risk of FGR was higher for men who drank heavily before conception. Men who drank more than six drinks per week in the three months before conception had a 30% increased risk of having a child with FGR, compared to men who did not drink heavily during this time. The researchers say their findings suggest that dads need to be aware of the potential risks of alcohol use on their children’s health. They recommend that men who are planning to have children should limit their alcohol intake to no more than six drinks per week and avoid heavy drinking in the months before conception. .
Dads Alcohol Habits Affect Fetal Growth Too
