In utero facial changes caused by alcohol persisting into childhood

Embargoed until: Publicly released: 2025-02-11 03:00

Australia; NSW; VIC

Fizkes

A new study from Murdoch Children’s Research Institute (MCRI) has found that children exposed to low levels of alcohol in utero do not ‘grow out’ of their subtle facial differences by age six or eight.

News release

From: Murdoch Children's Research Institute (MCRI)

Children exposed to low levels of alcohol in utero do not grow out of their subtle facial differences by age six or eight, according to a new study.

The research, led by Murdoch Children’s Research Institute (MCRI) and published in JAMA Pediatrics, builds on previous findings in early childhood, which showed that small facial changes (usually to the eyes and nose) could be caused by low to moderate levels of alcohol exposure in utero. This new study looked at more than 400 children in Melbourne several years later.

These latest findings provide women with the latest information to help them make informed choices during their pregnancy.

Significant contributions were also made by researchers at KU Leuven, Belgium.

MCRI researcher Evi Muggli is available to be interviewed.

Journal/
conference: JAMA Pediatrics

Research:Paper

Organisation/s: Murdoch Children's Research Institute (MCRI), The University of Melbourne, The University of Sydney, Monash University

Funder: This study was funded by the National Medical Health and Research Council (grant 1146635) and Research Foundation Flanders (FWO).

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