Authors:
Peadon E; Payne J; Henley N; D'Antoine H; Bartu A; O'Leary C; Bower C; Elliott E
Authors notes:|
BMC Public Health. 2011;11(584):1-10
Keywords:
Pregnancy, Alcohol consumption, Drinking behavior, Foetal health
Abstract
To explore women's alcohol consumption in pregnancy, and potential predictors of alcohol consumption in pregnancy including: demographic characteristics; and women's knowledge and attitudes regarding alcohol consumption in pregnancy and its effects on the fetus.
The majority of women (89.4%) had consumed alcohol in the last 12 months.
During their last pregnancy 34.1% drank alcohol.
When asked what they would do if planning a pregnancy 31.6% said they would consume alcohol and 4.8% would smoke.
Intention to consume alcohol in a future pregnancy was associated with: alcohol use in the last pregnancy, neutral or positive attitudes towards alcohol use in pregnancy, intention to smoke in a future pregnancy, and more frequent and higher current alcohol consumption.
Women's past pregnancy and current drinking behaviour, and attitudes to alcohol use in pregnancy were the strongest predictors of alcohol consumption in pregnancy.
Targeted interventions for women at higher risk of alcohol consumption in pregnancy are needed to change women's risk perception and behaviour.