**Dads’ Alcohol Habits Can Also Affect Fetuses**.
Alcohol consumption during pregnancy has been linked to a range of adverse outcomes for the developing fetus, including fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) and other fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASDs). However, a growing body of research suggests that paternal alcohol consumption may also have negative effects on the fetus..
One study, published in the journal Pediatrics, found that men who drank alcohol heavily before conception were more likely to have children with birth defects, such as heart defects and cleft lip and palate. Another study, published in the journal JAMA Internal Medicine, found that men who drank alcohol heavily during the preconception period were more likely to have children with low birth weight and preterm birth..
These studies suggest that paternal alcohol consumption may increase the risk of birth defects and other adverse pregnancy outcomes. However, more research is needed to determine the exact mechanisms by which alcohol exposure affects the developing fetus..
**How Alcohol Affects the Fetus**.
Alcohol can cross the placenta and reach the fetus. Once in the fetus, alcohol can interfere with the development of the fetus’s organs and tissues. Alcohol can also damage the fetus’s DNA, which can lead to birth defects and other health problems..
**The Effects of Paternal Alcohol Consumption on the Fetus**.
The effects of paternal alcohol consumption on the fetus are not fully understood. However, research suggests that paternal alcohol consumption may increase the risk of the following:.
* Birth defects.
* Low birth weight.
* Preterm birth.
* Fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS).
* Fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASDs).
**What Can Men Do to Reduce the Risk of Alcohol-Related Birth Defects?**.
Men who are planning to have children should avoid drinking alcohol. If you are drinking alcohol, you should stop drinking at least three months before conception. You should also avoid drinking alcohol during your partner’s pregnancy..
If you have any questions about alcohol and pregnancy, please talk to your doctor..
**Resources for Men Who Are Trying to Quit Drinking**.
If you are trying to quit drinking, there are a number of resources available to help you. You can find support groups, counseling, and other resources at the following websites:.
* The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA): https://www.niaaa.nih.gov/.
* The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA): https://www.samhsa.gov/.
* The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): https://www.cdc.gov/alcohol/index.htm.
