Paternal contribution to alcohol exposed pregnancies, and fetal and infant health

Based on earlier work identifying fathers contribution to alcohol exposed pregnancies and implications for Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders, pregnancy health and infant health, via systematic literature reviews of the field, this project had developed to provide cutting edge research within and across collaborative teams working in the area. Men’s alcohol-related behaviours during preconception and pregnancy are independently associated with increases in spontaneous abortion, congenital heart disease, and increases in their pregnant partner’s alcohol consumption. The costs associated with preventable loss of pregnancy and increases in disabilities linked to alcohol-exposed pregnancies is Au$13.6 billion per annum, a portion of which is related to men’s alcohol-related behaviours. Australia men father children between 25-49 years of age, which corresponds to one of the highest drinking rates in Australia. With over 230,000 planned pregnancies each year, the potential to influence the alcohol-related behaviours of Australian men, and thus the fabric and vigour of Australian families during this life stage is significant.

Based on earlier work identifying fathers contribution to alcohol exposed pregnancies and implications for Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders, pregnancy health and infant health, via systematic literature reviews of the field, this project had developed to provide cutting edge research within and across collaborative teams working in the area.