Face up to booze truth

CHILDREN whose mothers consume alcohol during pregnancy – even an occasional drink or in the first trimester – have subtly different shaped faces, compared to the offspring of women who abstain while pregnant.

With 30-40 per cent of pregnancies unplanned, researchers from Murdoch Childrens Research Institute say their findings further strengthen national guidelines that women should give up alcohol while pregnant or planning to conceive.

While it is not yet known if the facial changes have any neurodevelopmental impact, researchers say their study clearly shows facial shape is affected by alcohol even in the first few weeks of gestation – often before a woman knows she is pregnant.