Alcohol can pass from the mother’s blood into the fetus’ blood. It can damage and affect the growth of the fetus’ cells. It can damage the brain and spinal cord cells.
Researchers from Belgium and Australia assessed the drinking habits of more than 400 women during pregnancy and mapped the facial features of their offspring at the age of 1 year.
The team discovered that prenatal alcohol exposure – even at low levels – subtly influenced the formation of facial features in the womb, including the nose, chin, and eyes.
Alcohol consumption during pregnancy can cause physical and developmental problems for fetus, including low birthweight, learning disabilities, small head size, intellectual disabilities, and problems with vision and hearing.