Glass of wine a week ‘can harm baby in pregnancy’

DRINKING just one glass of wine a week during pregnancy is enough to alter the structure of a baby’s brain, new research has shown.

Researchers from the University of Vienna scanned 24 foetuses between 22 and 36 weeks’ gestation, which had been exposed to alcohol in the womb. They found that their brain development was significantly reduced compared to babies not exposed to alcohol, particularly in an area called the right superior temporal sulsus (STS).

Senior author Prof Gregor Kasprian said: “We found the greatest changes in the temporal brain region and STS.

“We know this region has a great influence on language development during childhood.”

Experts are divided on whether small amounts of alcohol in pregnancy are safe, and the Chief Medical Officers in the UK currently advise complete absence, even when trying for a baby.

According to NHS data, approximately 41 per cent of women have drunk alcohol at some point in pregnancy – either before or after they knew they had conceived.

Drinking in pregnancy can lead to fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS), which can cause learning disabilities, behavioural issues and speech problems.

Other problems include mental deficits, malformations of bones and major organs, inhibited growth and central nervous system illnesses.

Children with FAS may also suffer from poor motor skills, higher mortality rates and difficulties with learning.

Lead author Dr Patric Kienast said: “Unfortunately, many pregnant women are unaware of the influence of alcohol on the foetus during pregnancy.

“Seventeen of 24 mothers drank alcohol relatively infrequently, with average alcohol consumption of less than one alcoholic drink per week.

“Nevertheless, we were able to detect significant changes in these foetuses.”

The study was presented at a Radiological Society of North America meeting in Chicago.