What are the attitudes of pregnant women and mothers concerning maternal alcohol use, and what factors are associated with increased maternal drinking?

Wednesday, 23 November, 2022 - 16:50 to 18:20

Abstract

Background: Maternal alcohol use (during pregnancy/motherhood) can cause significant direct and indirect harm to the women and child. However, little is known about the drivers for and against maternal drinking.

Methods: Online surveys recruited a convenience sample of 1) pregnant women (n=836), and 2) mothers currently not pregnant (n=589). Surveys measured drinking behaviour, motives for and for not drinking, and perceived barriers to reducing alcohol use.

Results: 9% of pregnant women reported drinking, with a median weekly consumption of 2.3 units. Most mothers consumed alcohol (median weekly consumption: 6.9 units), with 19.5% drinking at hazardous or harmful levels.

Both pregnant women and mothers held somewhat ambivalent attitudes around drinking, reporting that they enjoyed drinking but thought it was bad for their health. Of the low number of pregnant women who reported motives to drink, the most common was to celebrate special occasions. In mothers, the most common motives to drink were to celebrate and to feel less stressed. In mothers, higher levels of alcohol use were associated with drinking when in a negative mood and when alcohol made respondents feel better.

Motives to reduce drinking in pregnant women and mothers usually concerned child welfare, with mothers also reporting being too tired to drink. Pregnant women were unlikely to report any barriers to reduce drinking. Over 40% of mothers reported that stress, pressure from others, and lack of knowledge around how to cut down drinking were barriers.

Conclusions: Although many women stop or reduce drinking during pregnancy, around 20% of mothers are drinking above recommended guidelines. Maternal drinking may be positively associated with coping-based motives, which can increase risk of alcohol-related harm. To help women reduce their drinking, clear advice is needed which highlights alcohol’s potential risks in maternal populations, coupled with effective strategies to reduce stress and improve wellbeing.

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