Maternal alcohol use before and during pregnancy among women in Taranaki, New Zealand.

AIMS: The study researched alcohol consumption and drinking patterns before and during pregnancy.

METHOD: This was a 1 month self report survey of postnatal women from 21 May-22 June 2006. A multiple choice questionnaire was handed out to them on the first or second postnatal day.

RESULTS

There were a total of 117 deliveries. The questionnaire was completed by 100 of the 104 women who received it. Before pregnancy, 80% of women reported drinking alcohol; 66% binge drinking. Twenty-eight percent continued consuming alcohol throughout pregnancy. The majority did reduce or stop their alcohol consumption, 7% however did not. Ten percent were drinking more than 2 units per typical day and more than 7 units per week during pregnancy. Four percent was drinking a lot more than this. Nine percent of the total cohort reported binge drinking during pregnancy.

CONCLUSION

Just over a quarter of women drink alcohol throughout pregnancy. A significant minority of women drink relatively heavily (more than 4 units per occasion and multiple times per week) during pregnancy. Many women do reduce their alcohol use because of the pregnancy, but often only after they become aware of it. In New Zealand there is a real risk of fetal alcohol spectrum disorders.