Foetal alcohol syndrome: Do dads need to watch their drinking?
Doctors and scientists have been looking into the potential effects of alcohol on babies in the womb since the early part of the 18th century. Although no conclusive declarations were made until the 1970s, what we now know as foetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) has been the subject of significant scientific inquiry for generations.
Science has determined pretty conclusively that mothers who drink alcohol before and during pregnancy have a greater chance of giving birth to children with FAS. But now, more recent studies are pointing to fathers as potential contributors as well.
If the early data proves correct, we owe it to our children and grandchildren to educate would-be fathers about their drinking habits. They need to know that excess alcohol consumption before their partner’s pregnancy could have an effect on sperm quality and subsequently contribute to FAS.
A broader spectrum of disorders
FAS is a physical condition related to prenatal exposure to alcohol. Children born with FAS tend to exhibit distinct facial features and growth deficiencies. Many also experience central nervous system abnormalities. FAS is one condition in a rather broad category of disorders known as foetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD).
Here in the UK, we see about 3.4 cases of FAS for every 100,000 live births. However, studies suggest that the condition may go under-reported or undetected here. The primary reason is that diagnosis tends to be inconsistent. The average age of diagnosis is five years, though infants and adolescents are also diagnosed with the syndrome.
As for FASD, it affects a larger portion of the population. Studies suggest a range of 6-17% among UK children, indicating that FASD encompasses far more than just FAS itself.
FAS’ relationship to prenatal drinking
Many studies have shown a link between prenatal drinking among mothers and FAS in their children. It makes sense, given that everything that goes into a pregnant woman’s bloodstream ultimately makes its way to the baby. So if alcohol is present at the time of conception, there is a risk. Likewise, a mother continuing to consume alcohol throughout her pregnancy is passing on some of that alcohol to her baby.
But what about fathers? That is where things begin to get interesting. A study out of South Africa’s Stellenbosch University demonstrated a clear link between FAS and fathers who drank during their partner’s pregnancy. The children of alcohol-consuming fathers were more likely to be born with a smaller head circumference and a shorter stature. The children were more likely to demonstrate lower verbal IQ scores by age seven. The link proved true even among affected children whose mothers did not drink.
An earlier study published in 2023 found that paternal drinking before and during pregnancy was linked to an increased likelihood of FASD. However, the link was not as pronounced when researchers controlled for maternal alcohol and tobacco consumption.
Finally, a Texas A&M University study using laboratory mice suggests that a father’s alcohol consumption just before conception is linked to several abnormalities. These include brain growth defects, craniofacial anomalies, and signs of cellular ageing.
An unknown mechanism
Science is not yet ready to conclusively say that paternal alcohol consumption before and during pregnancy contributes significantly to FAS risks. But the data are pointing in that direction. As for the mechanism behind it all, it is unknown. One suggestion is that alcohol causes genetic changes in human sperm. Altered sperm would be expected to contribute to abnormalities in some children.
Current data suggests that a father’s drinking habits have a less significant impact on the child compared to the mother’s. However, even a slight risk is worth consideration. It is important to seek alcohol detox treatment now rather than waiting until the child begins to experience related issues.
The reality of alcohol in the UK
All this matters in the UK because of our taste for drink. Consuming alcohol is routine for us. It is part of the British lifestyle. Unfortunately, our love of drink contributes to the reality that as many as 79% of the babies born in the UK were exposed to alcohol while in the womb.
The processes of conception, gestation, and birth are literal miracles. Considering there is so much that could go wrong at any point, it is a wonder so many healthy babies are born to parents across the world. But knowing what we know about the process dictates that we must be more careful.
Reading the label of any over-the-counter (OTC) medication reveals a warning for pregnant women and those planning pregnancy, advising against use without medical consultation. The dangers of illicit drug use before and during pregnancy are well understood, as are the risks associated with a pregnant woman’s exposure to infectious diseases.
Even with all that knowledge, modern culture fails to realise the dangers of alcohol consumption in relation to pregnancy. We go out with friends and drink without giving it a second thought. Some of us binge drink on the weekends. Perhaps most of us manage well enough as adults. But is alcohol consumption harming our children?
The jury is still out
The jury is still out on paternal drinking before and during pregnancy. But the early data seem to suggest a definitive link between paternal drinking and FAS. So until we know definitively, perhaps the best course of action is caution. Men who hope to become fathers would be well-advised to pay attention to their drinking habits. Cutting down or stopping altogether offers the best chance of reducing FAS risk.
Those planning to become fathers, or currently on that journey with a partner, should consider reducing alcohol consumption. For assistance in cutting down, Detox Plus UK offers access to online resources, support groups, mental health specialists, therapists and medical professionals ready to provide guidance. Taking this step benefits future children, ensuring they receive the best possible start.
The editorial unit
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