Brain News
A team of researchers at the Radiological Society of North America explored how alcohol use during pregnancy affects the baby’s brain. The study is yet to be published.
The Study
The researchers analyzed MRI exams of 24 fetuses, between 22 and 36 weeks of gestation, with prenatal alcohol exposure.
Alcohol exposure was determined via anonymous surveys of the mothers using questionnaires from the Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System (PRAMS) and the T-ACE Screening Tool.
The Findings
The results revealed that the consumption of alcohol can affect a baby’s brain structure and delay brain development. Any alcohol use during pregnancy can expose the fetus to health conditions collectively termed “fetal alcohol spectrum disorders”.
Babies with this condition are vulnerable to learning disabilities, behavioral problems, as well as speech and language delays.
The authors added: “Pregnant women should strictly avoid alcohol consumption,” Dr. Kienast said. “As we show in our study, even low levels of alcohol consumption can lead to structural changes in brain development and delayed brain maturation.”
To Know More You May Refer To
Radiological Society of North America. (2022, November 22). Drinking during pregnancy changes baby’s brain structure. ScienceDaily. Retrieved December 14, 2022 from www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2022/11/221122111554.htm
