The dangers of drinking alcohol during pregnancy have been well-publicised in the past, and now a new study has shed light on the extent of damage it can cause in the very early stages.

 

The study, carried out at the University of Helsinki, found that drinking during the first weeks of pregnancy can cause permanent brain damage to an unborn baby.

 

Experts at the University released their findings this week, claiming that exposure to alcohol at the early stages of pregnancy can result in symptoms of foetal alcohol syndrome such as stunted growth and hyperactivity.

 

While the scientists expressed concern over their findings, they emphasised that they were the result of tests carried out on mice, not humans.

 

The study authors did, however, warn that their research supports the theory that drinking while pregnant does harm the child, warning that alcohol consumption at between three and six weeks pregnant can potentially result in learning disabilities and congenital deformities.

 

Commenting on the findings, the study’s lead scientist Dr Nina Kaminen-Ahola said: “The results support our assumption that alcohol permanently alters gene regulation at a very early stage. This would be significant for the challenging diagnostics of alcohol-induced damage.”

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