Even low drinking during pregnancy alters baby s brain structure


New York, Nov 25 : Consumption of alcohol, even in low to moderate amounts during pregnancy, can change the baby's brain structure and delay brain development, a new MRI-based study has warned. Alcohol consumption during pregnancy can expose the fetus to a group of conditions called fetal alcohol spectrum disorders. Babies born with fetal alcohol spectrum disorders could develop learning disabilities, behavioural problems or speech and language delays. "Fetal MRI is a highly specialised and safe examination method that allows us to make accurate statements about brain maturation prenatally," said study senior author Gregor Kasprian, associate professor of radiology at the Medical University of Vienna in Austria. For the study, researchers analysed MRI exams of 24 fetuses with prenatal alcohol exposure. The fetuses were between 22 and 36 weeks of gestation at the time of MRI. Alcohol exposure was determined via anonymous surveys of the mothers. In fetuses with alcohol exposure, the fetal total maturation score (fTMS) was significantly lower than in the age-matched controls, and the right superior temporal sulcus (STS) was shallower. The STS is involved in social cognition, audiovisual integration and language perception. "We found the greatest changes in the temporal brain region and STS. We know that this region, and specifically the formation of the STS, has a great influence on language development during childhood," said Dr Kasprian. 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 fetuses based on prenatal MRI," Dr Kienast added. According to the researchers, delayed fetal brain development could be specifically related to a delayed stage of myelination and less distinct gyrification in the frontal and occipital lobes. The myelination process is critical to brain and nervous system function. Gyrification refers to the formation of the folds of the cerebral cortex. "Pregnant women should strictly avoid alcohol consumption," Dr Kienast said, as "even low levels of alcohol consumption can lead to structural changes in brain development and delayed brain maturation." /IANS




Related

Air hostess pushed to death by boyfriend in B luru, reveals police probe
Bengaluru, March 14 : The case of the suspicious death of an air hostess in Bengaluru has taken a twist with the investigation revealing that her boyf

Pleasant weather with bright sunshine in J&K during next 24 hours
Srinagar, March 14 : Weather was mainly clear in J&K during the last 24 hours as the MeT office said on Tuesday that pleasant weather with bright suns

First special stamps feature effigy of King Charles III
London, March 14 : The UK's Royal Mail has unveiled the first set special stamps featuring the effigy of King Charles III. The latest set of 10

Sharing