Study Highlights the Impact of Fathers' Alcohol Consumption on Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder Risk

Recent research indicates that paternal alcohol use may influence the development of fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD), a condition traditionally associated with maternal drinking during pregnancy. While it is well-established that drinking by pregnant women can lead to FASD, new findings suggest that a father's drinking habits could also contribute to adverse outcomes in children.

A team of international researchers, including experts from Stellenbosch University, analyzed data from five studies focusing on children in the Western Cape diagnosed with FASD. Their investigation revealed that the alcohol consumption of fathers during their partner’s pregnancy has a small but significant effect on the child's growth and neurodevelopment. Specifically, children of fathers who drank alcohol were more likely to be shorter, have smaller head circumferences, and perform worse on verbal IQ assessments.

The study found that a substantial proportion of fathers—between 66% and 77%—had consumed alcohol during their partner’s pregnancy, averaging about 12 drinks per drinking day. Higher alcohol intake from fathers correlated with more pronounced developmental issues in their children, such as reduced head size and lower verbal IQ scores. Notably, even when controlling for maternal alcohol use, paternal drinking was independently associated with some growth and developmental impairments.

The researchers emphasized that while paternal alcohol consumption alone does not drastically increase the likelihood of FASD diagnosis, heavy drinking—especially binge drinking—by both parents during pregnancy significantly worsens outcomes. When both parents engaged in alcohol consumption during pregnancy, the risk of severe FASD symptoms increased markedly.

The mechanisms underlying these effects are not yet fully understood. They could involve influences on sperm quality or epigenetic modifications affecting fetal development. The findings underscore the importance of considering paternal behaviors in efforts to prevent FASD and promoting alcohol abstinence before conception.

This research, published in Alcohol: Clinical & Experimental Research, expands the understanding of prenatal risk factors and highlights the role of both parents in fetal health. Authors from several prestigious institutions, including the University of North Carolina, Stanford University, and California State University, contributed to this significant advancement in fetal health research.

For more detailed information, see the original publication: DOI: 10.1111/acer.70105.