Rumour: Even the smallest amount of alcohol consumption can cause facial anomalies in the fetus.
Truth: This is true. Fetal alcohol syndrome has often been a discussed topic among pregnant mothers. Mothers sometimes believe a small amount of alcohol consumption will not have a negative effect on their child. However, prenatal exposure to alcohol can result in fetal alcohol syndrome, developmental disorders, and physical disability, and a recent study found that even the smallest amount of alcohol can change the craniofacial shape of children.
The study, published in JAMA Pediatrics, assessed children’s craniofacial shape and the child’s level of alcohol exposure in-utero. Researchers found a consistent association between craniofacial shape and alcohol exposure, regardless of the level or timing of alcohol exposure during pregnancy.
To read more about how alcohol consumption can affect a child’s development, click here.