“My midwife said that having a glass of red wine was actually better for the baby”: a focus group study of women and their partner’s knowledge and experiences relating to alcohol consumption in pregnancy

Abstract

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.

Health behaviour information provided to clients during midwife-led prenatal booking visits: Findings from video analyses

“…Other studies in the Netherlands have estimated any alcohol consumption during pregnancy to be about 20% and 50% (Advies Stuurgroep Zwangerschap en Geboorte (Advisory Committee on Pregnancy and Childbirth), Dec 2009; Lanting et al, 2015). It may be that too few opportunities for alcohol consumption had occurred by the time the visit took place in our study (median 8 weeks), but women may also have under-reported their alcohol consumption, as has been reported in other studies (Crawford-Williams et al, 2015;van der Wulp et al, 2013). This advocates explaining possible risks of even small amounts of alcohol to all pregnant women.…”

Pregnancy as a transition: First‐time expectant couples′ experience with alcohol consumption

“…First, health professionals should be aware that all women, including those who subscribe to the recommendation of abstinence and choose to abstain, can face difficulties that are not necessarily disclosed to them. As argued by prior research , the practitioner′s ability to initiate an open and non‐judgmental discussion with women about their alcohol consumption habits is essential to provide adequate support, especially to those with substance use issues . Second, our findings encourage health professionals to view pregnancy as a complex transition.…”

Online scan of FASD prevention and health promotion resources for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities

“…Furthermore, health professionals’ ability to effectively prevent FASD in an all‐of‐community way may be hindered by gaps in resources designed specifically for men, grandmothers and aunties. Previous studies have highlighted the important role that men, grandmothers and aunties have in influencing Indigenous Australian women's decisions to consume alcohol during pregnancy . These social networks have the potential to become vital community advocates if they are effectively educated and supported in their role to prevent FASD .…”

“…Many Australian women are unaware of the potential harm caused by drinking alcohol during pregnancy and the potential risk of FASD. In 2013, a national study found that one in four Australian women continued to drink after learning they were pregnant and only 53% abstained from alcohol during their entire pregnancy .…”

“…Recently the Liliwan project in the Fitzroy Valley conducted a study on a cohort of predominantly Indigenous Australian mothers and carers and found 55% consumed alcohol at some point during their pregnancy and 53% consumed alcohol during all three trimesters . Women have stated that they want to be provided with advice and information about the risks of FASD and would prefer to receive this information from a trusted health professional …”