Hey Dad’s, Is Alcohol Good for Your Little Swimmers?

You may remember a while back, I mentioned Sam had said he was going to reduce his alcohol intake since we are planning on having a family soon. Since then, it’s no surprise that nothing has changed! After a big night a few weeks back, it got us thinking whether or not alcohol consumption of the male makes any difference to the development of a fetus.

So, naturally, I just HAD to know what the research has to say on this topic. Most of the studies I was able to dig up were about either:

1. Fathers who were alcoholics; or
2. Studies that gave some alcohol to rats and let them at it… (note: we don’t think either of these categories apply to us!)

Anyway, here is what I found:

From studies about humans

• It appears there may be a genetic link between fathers who are alcoholic and the development of their children
• Boys of fathers who are alcoholic may experience behavioural problems, hyperactivity, intellectual impairment, hormonal and nervous system problems

From studies about rats

• In one study, male rats exposed to alcohol and then mated once the alcohol was out of their system resulted in smaller baby rats (compared to rats who were not exposed to alcohol prior to mating)
• In another study, male rats exposed to alcohol prior to mating resulted in baby rats with reduced rates of growth 30 days after birth (compared to rats not exposed to alcohol prior to mating)
• Again, another study found male rats exposed to alcohol prior to mating resulted in problems with brain development and smaller lungs one generation later (i.e. their grandkids were affected)

Many of these studies found a relationship between the father’s alcohol consumption and its effect on their male offspring, rather than female offspring. It is also worth noting that not all studies on this topic have any findings of interest, some have found no effects from alcohol exposure prior to mating.

Unfortunately, none of the research I read gave a lot of insight into their definitions of “alcohol abuse” or “alcoholic” so it is difficult to know firstly, if there really are any effects associated with the fathers’ alcohol consumption, and if so, what levels of consumption should be considered “too much”.

Since neither of us are rats (or alcoholics) I’m not really sure that these research findings apply!? I do think it is best to err on the side of caution though, and will definitely be continuing my (futile) attempts at encouraging my husband to reduce his alcohol consumption at least for a little while!

How about you?

Guys

• How likely are you to cut down your alcohol consumption when you’re trying for an addition to the family?

Ladies

• What response would you get if you asked your partner to cut down his drinking while you’re trying to get pregnant? If you can’t drink should your partner show their support by refraining too??