BackgroundWhile it is well established that alcohol can cross the placenta to the foetus and can affect an infant’s development, many women continue to drink during pregnancy. For this reason it is important to determine what information is being provided, what information may be missing, and the preferred sources of information on this issue. In order to improve prevention strategies, we sought to understand the knowledge and experiences of pregnant women and their partners regarding the effects of alcohol consumption during pregnancy.MethodsThe current study utilised a qualitative study design in order to gain insight into the views and experiences of pregnant women, newly delivered mothers and their partners. Focus groups examined the participant’s knowledge about the effects of alcohol consumption during pregnancy, the sources of information on this issue, and the psycho-social influences on their drinking behaviour. Five focus groups were conducted involving a total of 21 participants (17 female). A six-stage thematic analysis framework was used to analyse all focus group discussions in a systematic way.ResultsSeven major themes were identified from the focus group data: 1) knowledge of Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders; 2) message content and sources; 3) healthcare system; 4) society and culture; 5) partner role; 6) evaluation of risk; and 7) motivation. The findings indicated that although the majority of participants knew not to drink alcohol in pregnancy they had limited information on the specific harmful effects. In addition, routine enquiry and the provision of information by health care professionals were seen as lacking.ConclusionsThe findings of this research provide important insights in to the relationship between pregnant women, their partners, and their healthcare providers. Several recommendations can be made on the basis of these findings. Firstly, public health messages and educational materials need to provide clear and consistent information about the effects of alcohol consumption on the developing baby. Additionally, more thorough and consistent routine enquiry for alcohol consumption in pregnant women needs to occur. Finally, it is important to ensure ongoing education for health professionals on the issue of alcohol consumption during pregnancy.

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"If you can have one glass of wine now and then, why are you denying that 1 to a woman with no evidence": Knowledge and practices of health 2 professionals concerning alcohol consumption during pregnancy. 3 Abstract 4Background: Alcohol consumption during pregnancy has the potential to cause significant harm to 5 the foetus and the current Australian guidelines state that it is safest not to drink alcohol while 6 pregnant. However, conflicting messages often appear in the media and it is unclear if the message to 7 avoid alcohol is being effectively conveyed to pregnant women. Aims: This research aims to explore 8 the advice that health professionals provide to pregnant women about alcohol consumption; the 9 knowledge of health professionals regarding the effects of alcohol consumption; and their consistency 10 with following the Australian guidelines. Methods: Ten semi-structured face to face interviews were 11 conducted with health professionals who regularly provide antenatal care. These include midwives, 12 obstetricians, and shared care general practitioners. A six-stage thematic analysis framework was used 13 to analyse the interview data in a systematic way to ensure rigour and transparency. The analysis 14 involved coding data extracts, followed by identifying the major themes. Findings: Health 15 professionals displayed adequate knowledge that alcohol can cause physical and mental difficulties 16 that are lifelong; however, knowledge of the term FASD and the broad spectrum of difficulties 17 associated with alcohol consumption during pregnancy was limited. Although health professionals 18 were willing to discuss alcohol with pregnant women, many did not make this a routine part of 19 practice, and several concerning judgements were noted. Conclusion: Communication between health 20 professionals and pregnant women needs to be improved to ensure that accurate information about 21 alcohol use in pregnancy is being provided. Further, it is important to ensure that the national 22 guidelines are being supported by health professionals. 23

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