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Beer consumption among hazardous drinkers during pregnancy
William F Rayburn1, Chen Meng, Brittany B Rayburn
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, 87131, USA. wrayburn@salud.unm.edu
Obstetrics and Gynecology
|February 2, 2006
Summary
Beer is the most common alcoholic beverage consumed by pregnant hazardous drinkers. Routine prenatal screening should focus on binge beer consumption patterns.
Area of Science:
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Public Health
- Addiction Medicine
Background:
- Hazardous drinking in pregnant women poses risks to both mother and fetus.
- Understanding specific alcohol consumption patterns, like beer intake, is crucial for targeted interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of beer consumption among pregnant women identified as hazardous drinkers.
- To analyze the types and patterns of alcohol consumption before and after pregnancy recognition.
Main Methods:
- A prospective, clinic-based cohort study surveyed 4,494 pregnant women at their first prenatal visit.
- Hazardous drinking was defined by frequent or binge drinking with consequences, assessed via alcohol surveys.
- Participants provided data on alcohol type, quantity, and frequency through interviews before and after pregnancy recognition.
Main Results:
- Of 4,494 women, 203 (4.52%) met hazardous drinking criteria.
- Beer was the most frequently consumed alcohol (74.4%), with higher quantities than wine or liquor (P < .05).
- Beer consumption persisted after pregnancy recognition (52.3%), with binge drinking patterns (2.7 units/day vs. 0.9 for others, P = .002).
Conclusions:
- Beer is the predominant alcohol choice for pregnant women with hazardous drinking habits.
- Prenatal care providers should prioritize screening for binge beer consumption during routine questioning.
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