[Comparison of women's alcohol consumption before and during pregnancy. A prospective series of 150 women].

OBJECTIVES

Evaluation of the prevalence of prenatal alcohol exposure in relation with declared alcohol consumption (DAC).

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

Observational prospective study based on the DAC of 150 women in post-partum or hospitalized for abnormal pregnancies. The main selection criterion was change in DAC before and during pregnancy, classified according to alcohol use and misuse limits. Excessive alcohol intake was defined as more than 4 glasses on occasion and/or more than 14 glasses a week. Age and professional position were also taken into account. Data were obtained using semi-directive interviews.

RESULTS

79% of these women drank before pregnancy. 33.2% of them had excessive intake. Consumption of more than 14 glasses a week concerned 10% of the population. Excessive consumptions on occasion significantly affected 33% of the population. During pregnancy, 43% of these women continued drinking. Overall excessive intake, which is noxious for children, concerned 9.9% of the women. 5% declared a regular misuse above 14 glasses a week and 7% of them consumed more than 4 glasses on occasion. The average age was 29.8 years. Most of the women (61%) had a stable job.

CONCLUSION

Our study confirms alcohol consumption by women, even during pregnancy. Consumptions of pregnant women is decreasing progressively. DAC is very useful to evaluate alcohol intake.