Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 22, 2026
Construction of Vapor Chambers Used to Expose Mice to Alcohol During the Equivalent of all Three Trimesters of Human Development
Published on: July 13, 2014
Findings of a pilot study of motivational interviewing with pregnant drinkers
N S Handmaker1, W R Miller, M Manicke
1Department of Psychology, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque 87131-1161, USA.
Objective:
Cost-effective interventions are needed for counseling pregnant drinkers, in order to reduce risk of fetal alcohol effects.
Method:
42 pregnant women who reported alcohol consumption participated in this pilot study of motivational interviewing. Following a comprehensive alcohol use assessment, the participants were randomly assigned to receive either written information about the risks related to drinking during pregnancy or a one-hour motivational interview. The motivational interview was an empathic, client-centered, but directive session focusing on the health of the participants' unborn babies.
Results:
At the end of a 2-month follow-up period, the 34 women (81%) who remained in the study showed a significant reduction in alcohol consumption and peak intoxication levels. Women who had reported the highest blood alcohol concentration (BAC) levels during early pregnancy showed a significantly greater reduction in their estimated BACs at follow-up (during later pregnancy) if assigned to the treatment rather than the control condition.
Conclusions:
Motivational interviewing shows promise as a specific intervention for initiating a reduction in drinking among pregnant women who are at greatest risk. Simpler assessment and advice may suffice for women with lower initial consumption levels.
