Men who are trying to become fathers should give up drinking for six months, according to new research.
Those who don't increase the risk of their children being born with birth defects.
The study found that men drinking in the six months before conception could increase the risk of heart problems in the unborn baby by up to 44 per cevt.
Women should also give up drinking for a year before conception, reports The Mirror .
The research compiled data from 55 studies dating back to 1991. Author Dr Jiabi Qin, of Central South University in China, said: “When trying for a baby, men should not consume alcohol for at least six months.
“Although our analysis has limitations, for example the type of alcohol was not recorded, it does indicate men and women planning a family should give up alcohol.”
Dr Qin warned that for both sexes having five or more drinks in a session increased the dangers.
“Binge-drinking by would-be parents is a high-risk and dangerous behaviour,” Dr Qin added.
