For decades, mothers have borne the brunt of scrutiny for alcohol use during pregnancy − new research points to dad’s drinking as a significant factor in fetal alcohol syndrome
For decades, mothers have borne the brunt of scrutiny for alcohol use during pregnancy − new research points to ... The Conversation
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The Impact of Paternal Drinking on Fetal Development: A Report on Male Alcohol Exposure
Introduction
Men drink more, are more likely to binge drink, and are almost four times more likely to develop alcohol use disorder than women, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
However, when it comes to diagnosing babies born with birth defects associated with alcohol consumption, such as fetal alcohol syndrome, historically only the mother’s drinking habits are taken into consideration.
Research has shown that sperm carry a vast amount of epigenetic information that strongly influences fetal development and child health. Yet, most healthcare providers do not consider the influence of paternal health and lifestyle choices on child development.
The Intense Focus on Mom
In 1981, the U.S. surgeon general issued a public health warning that alcohol use by women during pregnancy was the cause of physical and mental birth defects in children.
Today, doctors and scientists recognize that as many as 1 in 20 U.S. schoolchildren may exhibit some form of fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD), which refers to a wide range of alcohol-related physical, developmental, and behavioral deficits.
According to the CDC, this syndrome can occur when alcohol in the mother’s blood passes to the baby through the umbilical cord. This has led to the firmly accepted belief that alcohol-related birth defects are caused only by maternal alcohol use during pregnancy and are the woman’s fault.
However, there have been instances where children diagnosed with fetal alcohol syndrome were born to mothers who denied consuming alcohol during pregnancy.
Dad is the Missing Piece
Alcohol is a social drug, so when women drink, they often do so with their male partner. Building from this perspective, studies have been conducted using a mouse model to determine the effects of alcohol consumption by both parents.
These studies have revealed that chronic male alcohol exposure affects the formation of the offspring’s brain, skull, and face. It has also been observed that paternal drinking increases the risk of heart defects in people.
Effects on Male Fertility and Pregnancy
Research also supports the immediate impacts of alcohol consumption on male fertility and the ability of couples to achieve a healthy pregnancy. Male alcohol exposure decreases the chance of becoming pregnant after undergoing in-vitro fertilization (IVF).
Looking Ahead
The cumulative costs of fetal alcohol spectrum disorders to the healthcare and educational systems are significant. Ignoring paternal drinking habits in public health messaging overlooks a significant contributing factor.
It is crucial for doctors to start asking fathers about their drinking habits in order to fully understand the contributions of paternal alcohol exposure to birth defects and child health.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?
- SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
- SDG 5: Gender Equality
- SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
- SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions
2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?
- SDG 3.5: Strengthen the prevention and treatment of substance abuse, including narcotic drug abuse and harmful use of alcohol
- SDG 5.1: End all forms of discrimination against all women and girls everywhere
- SDG 10.2: By 2030, empower and promote the social, economic, and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion or economic or other status
- SDG 16.6: Develop effective, accountable and transparent institutions at all levels
3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?
The article does not explicitly mention specific indicators. However, potential indicators that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets may include:
- Prevalence of alcohol use disorder among men and women
- Proportion of babies born with birth defects associated with alcohol consumption
- Inclusion of paternal health and lifestyle choices in child development assessments
- Proportion of pediatricians documenting prenatal alcohol use by mothers before diagnosing alcohol-related birth defects
- Proportion of children diagnosed with fetal alcohol syndrome born to mothers who deny alcohol consumption during pregnancy
- Reported levels of alcohol use during pregnancy
- Proportion of babies born with fetal alcohol spectrum disorders
- Proportional relationships between facial landmarks in offspring of parents who consumed alcohol before conception
- Prevalence of microcephaly and lower birth weight in offspring of fathers who consumed alcohol
- Proportion of couples achieving healthy pregnancies after IVF, considering male alcohol exposure
Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being | SDG 3.5: Strengthen the prevention and treatment of substance abuse, including narcotic drug abuse and harmful use of alcohol | – Prevalence of alcohol use disorder among men and women – Proportion of babies born with birth defects associated with alcohol consumption |
| SDG 5: Gender Equality | SDG 5.1: End all forms of discrimination against all women and girls everywhere | – Inclusion of paternal health and lifestyle choices in child development assessments – Proportion of pediatricians documenting prenatal alcohol use by mothers before diagnosing alcohol-related birth defects |
| SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities | SDG 10.2: By 2030, empower and promote the social, economic, and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion or economic or other status | – Proportion of children diagnosed with fetal alcohol syndrome born to mothers who deny alcohol consumption during pregnancy – Reported levels of alcohol use during pregnancy |
| SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions | SDG 16.6: Develop effective, accountable and transparent institutions at all levels | – Proportional relationships between facial landmarks in offspring of parents who consumed alcohol before conception – Prevalence of microcephaly and lower birth weight in offspring of fathers who consumed alcohol |
Behold! This splendid article springs forth from the wellspring of knowledge, shaped by a wondrous proprietary AI technology that delved into a vast ocean of data, illuminating the path towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Remember that all rights are reserved by SDG Investors LLC, empowering us to champion progress together.
Source: theconversation.com
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