Moderate to heavy alcohol use during the first 8 weeks of pregnancy can result in increased rates of spontaneous abortions, and decreased height and weight , increased craniofacial abnormalities, neurobehavioral deficits, and Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) in the offspring. This study was undertaken to determine the proportion of women who were moderate to heavy alcohol consumers and pregnant, but unaware of their pregnancy. Results indicate that half of all pregnant women reported some alchol use in the 3 months preceding pregnancy recognition (the periconceptional period), with 1 in 20 drinking moderate to heavy levels. The majority did not know they were pregnant until after the fourth week of pregnancy, and many did not know until after the 6th week. Risk factors for moderate to heavy alcohol use during the periconceptional period included being unmarried, being a smoker, being white, non-Hispanic, being 25 years of age or older, or being college educated. Public health implications include the need to target childbearing age women for alcohol assessment, education, and counseling prior to pregnancy.
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of this session the participant will be able to: 1. Identify three adverse outcomes associated with early, first trimester prenatal alcohol exposures. 2. Articulate the proportion of women who had a prenatal alcohol exposure prior to finding out they were pregnant. 3. List 5 risk factors for moderate to heavy alcohol use during the preconceptional period
Keywords: Pregnancy, Alcohol Use
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.