Drinking a risk to baby's body clock

Maternal binge drinking during pregnancy can disrupt the circadian ‘day-night’ rhythms of offspring, according to studies on rats.

Circadian rhythms regulate most body processes and play an important role in sleep.

The US study found that foetal exposure to alcohol during a period equivalent to the third human trimester altered the rats’ ability to synchonrize their circadian rhythms to light cues.

The researchers said – in agreement with current advice – it was best to abstain from alcohol during pregnancy.

Source: www.healthday.com