Alcohol use by pregnant women: partners, knowledge, and other predictors

The impact of a couple's knowledge about healthy pregnancy habits involving alcohol and substance use was assessed in the context of other factors previously identified to predict prenatal alcohol consumption in a sample of 254 pregnant women and their male partners.

Couples were asked to assess independently a series of statements (true or false) describing the consequences of prenatal substance exposure, while also providing information about their own drinking.

Although the couples demonstrated good knowledge of healthy habits during pregnancy, they did not agree when the element of chance was considered. Median household income was more highly predictive of a pregnant woman's knowledge score than her partner's score. In turn, the subject's knowledge of healthy pregnancy habits as manifested in the assessment score had only a weak relationship with prenatal alcohol consumption. Previous alcohol use by the pregnant woman was the strongest predictor of prenatal alcohol use.

Because previous alcohol consumption use by the pregnant woman was the strongest predictor of prenatal alcohol use, the importance of its accurate identification is emphasized. Although pending further investigation, knowledge about healthy pregnancy behaviors may exert greater impact if it is shared by a pregnant woman and her partner.