No universally safe level of prenatal alcohol consumption has been identified. The consequences of drinking range from subtle developmental problems to fetal alcohol syndrome. Yet, the rate of frequent drinking by pregnant women has increased substantially in recent years. The purpose of this study is to test the effectiveness of an enhanced brief intervention involving an individual chosen by a pregnant woman who has been identified to be at risk for prenatal alcohol consumption. The "support partner" will assist in the maintenance and application of skills learned as a result of the brief intervention. In general, expectant fathers or partners have not been evaluated for health problems that could impact on the pregnant woman's ability to improve her health. Thus, three hundred pregnant women initiating prenatal care, who are alcohol screen positive and currently drinking, or drank during a previous pregnancy, or drank at least one drink daily before pregnancy, will be randomized to either the enhanced brief intervention or assessment only. The enhanced brief intervention will be administered by a nurse practitioner at the obstetrics practices of the Brigham and Women's Hospital to the pregnant woman and her support partner. This study builds on our previous efforts to improve the identification and modification of alcohol use in pregnancy, the first ever randomized trail of a brief intervention for antepartum alcohol use. Preliminary results and lessons learned will be presented.
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of this presentation, participants will understand the rationale of the enhanced brief intervention and have a better appreciation for the special clinical and research challenges associated with prenatal alcohol use
Keywords: Alcohol Use, Prenatal Interventions
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.