Alcohol use by pregnant women: partners, knowledge, and other predictors.

Abstract

ABSTRACT. Objective:The impact of a couple's knowledge about healthy pregnancy habits involving alcohol and substance use was assessed in the context of other factors previously identified to predict prenatal alcohol consumption in a sample of 254 pregnant women and their male partners. Method: Couples were asked to assess independently a series of statements (true or false) describing the consequences of prenatal substance exposure, while also providing information about their own drinking. Results: Although the couples demonstrated good knowledge of healthy habits during pregnancy, they did not agree when the element of chance was considered. Median household income was more highly predictive of a pregnant woman's knowledge score than her partner's score. In turn, the subject's knowledge of healthy pregnancy habits as manifested in the assessment score had only a weak relationship with prenatal alcohol consumption. Previous alcohol use by the pregnant woman was the strongest predictor of prenatal alcohol use. Conclusions: Because previous alcohol consumption use by the pregnant woman was the strongest predictor of prenatal alcohol use, the importance of its accurate identification is emphasized. Although pending further investigation, knowledge about healthy pregnancy behaviors may exert greater impact if it is shared by a pregnant woman and her partner. (J. Stud. Alcohol 67: [245][246][247][248][249][250][251] 2006)

Repeated ethanol exposure during late gestation decreases nephron endowment in fetal sheep

“…In another study, 13.5% of pregnant women reported that they consumed alcohol regularly during pregnancy, with 6.8% being more likely to consume alcohol in the last trimester (27). In light of these data and the public misperception that alcohol consumption is less harmful to the fetus in the third trimester than in the first trimester (9,26), knowledge of the effects of late gestational ethanol exposure on organ development is important. Our study clearly shows that alcohol exposure during nephrogenesis, which occurs largely during the third trimester in humans, can result in a reduced nephron endowment.…”

Substance Use and Preconception Care: A Review of the Literature

“…Overall, women tended to be aware of the consequences of substance use when planning pregnancy; however, this has not prevented all substance use during preconception period for both planned and unplanned pregnancies (10,11). Despite women's intentions to adopt healthy behaviors, Lum et al did not observe a change in women's use of alcohol or cigarettes and observed only a moderate decrease in caffeinated beverages during the preconception window or when attempting to become pregnant (11).…”

“…Men tended to be aware of substance use consequences in general; however, they were less aware of consequences related to fertility (10). In their study of men aged 15-29, Choiriyyah et al found that 60% of men were in need of PCC and that 58% of men reported binge drinking in the last year (16).…”

Alcohol Use During Pregnancy: Prevalence and Impact

“…8 While risky drinking falls short of meeting criteria for alcohol dependence or abuse, risky drinkers are advised to cut down their alcohol use prior to conception, in recognition of the fact that past drinking is the best predictor of prenatal drinking and because many women do not know they are pregnant until after embryogenesis (in the first 8 weeks). 9 The ACOG guidelines present a longitudinal approach that cuts across the socioeconomic spectrum and reaches women who would never identify themselves as problem drinkers (because of the absence of negative consequences).…”