孕期喝酒会改变胎儿颅面发育

Just a couple of glasses of wine during pregnancy could alter your child's facial features, a new study claims.

一项新研究称，怀孕期间只喝几杯酒也会改变胎儿的面部特征。

It has long been seen that alcohol can infect a fetus, causing developmental delays in the brain. In the more severe cases, those delays can trigger facial defects.

However, a new Australian study published in JAMA Pediatrics has found that small quantities of alcohol could alter a child's face without necessarily causing cognitive issues.

Researchers analyzed photographs of 415 babies' faces to detect a series of subtle differences connected to alcohol consumption - such as a slighter shorter, upturned nose.

However, they said they do not have any evidence to show these delays in facial development are harmful in any other way than aesthetic.

There is no definitive guideline on how much alcohol is safe to consume during pregnancy.

The CDC warns that: 'There is no known safe amount of alcohol use during pregnancy or while trying to get pregnant. There is also no safe time during pregnancy to drink. All types of alcohol are equally harmful.'