Alcohol consumption during pregnancy is risky for the development of a fetus, but vitamin B could reduce the risk of serious consequences for the unborn child.
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That’s what a group of Montreal researchers found. But they warn that telling pregnant women they can drink alcohol without fear of repercussions is out of the question. The purpose of the study was initially to try to protect the fetus when its parent is unaware that it is pregnant and is drinking.
“40% of women who become pregnant do not yet know they are pregnant,” explained LCN Dr. Serge McGraw, specialist in reproductive biology at CHU Sainte-Justine.
The goal is therefore prevention, because alcohol consumption during pregnancy carries many risks for the baby. Brain development may be impaired, particularly cognitively or behaviorally. Facial deformities and even heart problems are also possible.
“The larger the crowd or the more often it will be, the greater the chance,” says Dr. mcgraw
The severity of the consequences varies greatly from woman to woman, particularly due to genetics. In addition, the father’s alcohol consumption before conception can also pose risks to the fetus.
“We discovered women who had only consumed alcohol once and whose child was severely affected,” says the specialist in reproductive biology.
The latter adds that the use of antidepressants, tobacco use and stress during pregnancy can increase the effects of alcohol on the baby.
Nonetheless, the tests conducted by Dr. McGraw and his colleagues, carried out on mice, found that vitamin B has a protective effect on the foetus.
“We can reduce brain defects threefold,” says the doctor.
“We’re reducing, but we’re not stopping, brain development problems,” he adds.
To see the full interview, watch the video above.