Periconceptional maternal and paternal alcohol consumption and embryonic and fetal development: the Rotterdam periconception cohort

Abstract

Research QuestionWhat is the impact of maternal and paternal alcohol consumption in the periconception period on embryonic and foetal development assessed using three-dimensional ultrasound and VR techniques? DesignThis is a prospective observational study embedded in the Rotterdam Periconception Cohort (Predict study). Participating women received longitudinal 3D transvaginal ultrasound examinations from week 7 up to week 12 of gestation to measure crown-rump length (CRL) and embryonic volume (EV). Mid-pregnancy foetal size parameters and birthweight were retrieved from medical files. Participants filled out a periconception exposure questionnaire and a validated food frequency questionnaire. Linear mixed models were used to analyse the association between parental alcohol consumption, and embryonic and foetal developmental parameters. Results1141 female and 987 male participants were included in our analyses. Maternal moderate alcohol consumption in the periconception period resulted in a smaller head circumference (β=-1.85, SE=0.84, P=0.03), abdominal circumference (β=-2.65, SE=0.93, P=0.004), femur length (β=-0.56, SE=0.22, P=0.01), and estimated foetal weight (β=-9.36, SE=4.35, P=0.03) at 20 weeks of gestation. Paternal alcohol consumption showed significant positive associations, mainly with foetal size parameters (AC: β=0.033, SE=0.01, P=0.008; EFW: β=0.131, SE:0.06, P=0.03). ConclusionsModerate maternal alcohol consumption is negatively associated with foetal growth parameters. Moreover, alcohol is proven a strong teratogen and the consumption before and during pregnancy should be discouraged in both women and men since it affects both several parameters of embryonic and foetal development.