Drinking Alcohol During Pregnancy Could 'Alter Child's Facial Features', Study Suggests | HuffPost Life

'Even low levels of alcohol consumption can influence development.'

By

Life editor at HuffPost UK

Women who drink alcohol during pregnancy could be altering the facial features of their unborn child, a new study claims.

Researchers from Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, Australia, analysed photographs of 415 babies’ faces to look for subtle changes associated to alcohol consumption.

The study, published in JAMA Pediatrics, found alcohol-exposed children tended to have a more “sunken mid-face” and a turned-up nose.

The authors concluded: “The results of this study suggest that even low levels of alcohol consumption can influence development of the foetus and confirm that the first trimester is a critical period.”

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Researchers recruited mothers in their first trimester of pregnancy between January 2011 and December 2014.

They analysed the faces of 195 girls and 220 boys who had been exposed to a full range of alcohol - from binge drinking to low-level drinking in the first trimester.

Each child was photographed from different angles when they turned one.

When analysing the images, researchers found “significant” differences in the face shapes of children whose mothers who didn’t drink alcohol during pregnancy compared to children who had been exposed to alcohol.

Differences were mainly found around the mid-face, nose, lips, and eyes.

Babies who experienced low exposure to alcohol tended to only show differences in their forehead size.

Babies with moderate to high exposure to alcohol showed differences in their eyes, chin, and head. Babies who were exposed to binge drinking in the first trimester had different shaped chins.

The authors wrote: “Although the clinical significance of our findings is yet to be determined, these findings support the conclusion that, for women who are, or may become pregnant, avoiding alcohol is the safest option.”

Commenting on the study, Stuart Gale, chief pharmacist at Oxford Online Pharmacy told HuffPost UK: “Studies such as these are essential in helping to determine the effects of alcohol on the foetus.

“However, the direct correlation between alcohol consumption in pregnancy and a change in the facial features of the unborn child may well be due to a variety of factors and more research would be needed in order to understand more.

“The most important takeaway is that there is no known safe amount of alcohol use during pregnancy and as such it is best avoided altogether.”

“Distinctive facial features” such as small eyes, a thin upper lip, and a smooth area between the nose and upper lip are symptoms of foetal alcohol syndrome (FAS), but this study suggests they may also be present in babies without the condition.

Babies with FAS may also experience movement and coordination problems, learning difficulties and problems with their liver, kidneys and heart, the NHS states.

The NHS advises: “If you’re pregnant or planning to become pregnant, the safest approach is not to drink alcohol at all to keep risks to your baby to a minimum.

“Drinking in pregnancy can lead to long-term harm to the baby, with the more you drink, the greater the risk.”

Before You Go

Pregnancy worries and words of comfort

I have no morning sickness! Is that bad news?(01 of10)

You might have read things about how morning sickness signifies a healthy level of pregnancy hormones – but not having morning sickness does not mean you're lacking! Although many women suffer with it (and 'suffer' really is the word), many other women do not. Some women have it one pregnancy, but not in another. Attend all your usual checks and count yourself as one of the lucky ones! (credit:Alamy )

I drank before I knew I was pregnant, I might have harmed the baby(02 of10)

This happens to many, many expectant mums, and it's unlikely to be a cause for concern at all. Mention it to your GP/midwife, and just keep off the booze now, until you can enjoy a celebratory glass of fizz when your bundle arrives. (credit:Alamy )

I'll lose the baby(03 of10)

It's estimated about one in five pregnancies ends in early miscarriage, and it's thought most of those occur simply because the foetus wasn't developing properly. It does happen, but don't let it rule your thoughts because the vast majority of pregnancies do succeed. Try not to worry and remember that once you're into the second trimester, the chances of miscarriage is dramatically reduced. (credit:Alamy )

My baby might not be 'perfect'(04 of10)

It's estimated that one in 16 babies in the UK is born with a birth defect – but this figure refers to all birth defects, and many are mild and can be treated. So it's likely your baby won't have a birth defect, and even if they do, they will be perfect in their own way – remember support is available for every eventuality. Take your folic acid and attend your antenatal screening appointments. (credit:Alamy )

I won't make it to the hospital on time(05 of10)

You might have read terrifying stories about pregnant women giving birth in car parks and taxis – but these stories make it to the news because they are extraordinary, in the literal sense of the word! It very rarely happens, and most women get plenty of warning that labour is beginning. So plan well, and all is very likely to be fine. (credit:Alamy )

I might have to have a c-section(06 of10)

If you do end up needing a c-section, you might feel disappointed – but believe us, in the moment the only thing you'll really care about is the safe delivery of your baby. It won't be the end of the world and you won't care a jot when your baby is in your arms. (credit:Alamy )

I won't be able to cope during labour(07 of10)

There is just no telling how labour will be for you, so don't worry about it now. Make your birth plan, discuss it with your partner and midwife, and go with the flow on the day (it's okay to change your mind!). There will be lots and lots of help and support at your disposal. Not to mention drugs, should you need them. (credit:Alamy )

Labour will humiliating (will I poo on the bed?!)(08 of10)

You've heard about that then? It can happen, but the doctors and midwives have seen it all – they have experienced every possible scenario. They won't be worrying about things like that, so neither should you. (credit:Alamy )

I don't know how to be a mum(09 of10)

No-one does until they become one! Every new mum feels like they're winging it in the early days. As your baby grows and you get to know them, you'll learn. Trust in the fact that just about every mother has gone through it… and survived. (credit:Alamy )

I'm worried about gaining all that weight(10 of10)

You will put on weight, yes – but it's normal and nothing to be afraid of! Much weight gain is actually down to the baby, the placenta, extra blood in your system and the retention of water. Pregnancy changes your body in myriad ways – just enjoy it, and let your body just do its thing at this special time. Remember, there's no need to 'eat for two'… but eat what you need and don't count calories. (credit:Alamy )

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