A new study of over 400 Australian women has revealed that alcohol consumption around the time of conception can negatively impact placental growth, potentially compromising the baby’s development. The research, conducted by the Mater Research team at Brisbane’s Translational Research Institute (TRI), supports earlier findings from preclinical models and aligns with national health guidelines advising against alcohol consumption before and during early pregnancy.
Dr. Sarah Steane, a postdoctoral research scientist at Mater Research, noted that this study is one of the first to utilize Doppler ultrasound measurements to assess placental function in relation to alcohol intake. “Our key finding is that women who consumed alcohol near conception showed alterations in Doppler ultrasound measurements, suggesting that their placenta might not be delivering oxygen to the baby as effectively as it should,” Dr. Steane said.
The study revealed a significant contrast in placental function between women who consumed alcohol around conception and those who did not. Among the alcohol-consuming group, 1 in 6 women exhibited ultrasound measurements indicative of impaired placental function. In comparison, only 1 in 45 women who abstained from alcohol showed similar issues, indicating that women who consumed alcohol at conception were nine times more likely to experience placental problems.
However, the research also found a potential preventive measure. Dr. Steane’s team discovered that women who took the recommended amount of folic acid before conception and during the early stages of pregnancy were less likely to have abnormal ultrasound measurements. “Choline and folate may be working together to reduce the negative impact of alcohol exposure, but further research is needed,” Dr. Steane explained.
While folate supplementation appeared beneficial, the study also highlighted concerns regarding choline, another vital micronutrient essential for placental health. Less than one-third of the women in the study were consuming an adequate amount of choline, which is found in protein-rich foods like eggs and red meat.
Professor Vicki Clifton, Group Leader of the Mater Research Pregnancy and Development Group at TRI, emphasized that the ongoing Queensland Family Cohort Study would offer valuable insights into the broader effects of alcohol during pregnancy and the role of micronutrients like folate and choline in mitigating potential harm. “The main takeaway from our findings is to support current guidelines: if you’re planning a pregnancy, it’s best to avoid alcohol,” said Professor Clifton.
She also acknowledged that unplanned pregnancies could occur after alcohol consumption, and for women in this situation, she recommended taking folic acid and consuming a diet rich in choline, including eggs and red meat. “For women who are less than 24 weeks pregnant, joining our study could offer further understanding of how alcohol, micronutrients, and other factors influence pregnancy,” she added.
This study underscores the importance of preconception health and offers new insights into the role of diet and supplements in protecting placental development and ensuring a healthy pregnancy.
You Might Be Interested In:
-
Music Therapy Intervention Improves Mental Health for Heart Failure and COPD Patients
-
Nature-Based Activities Improve Mental Health in Just Twelve Weeks
-
Qualified Midwifery Care Reduces Medical Interventions During Childbirth
