Drinking and smoking in pregnancy: what questions do Swiss physicians ask?

BACKGROUND

Although drinking and smoking during pregnancy can have hazardous effects to exposed children, a certain number of pregnant women continues to consume alcohol and nicotine. It was investigated whether physicians and midwives in Switzerland ask pregnant women about their drinking and smoking habits.

METHOD

A self-report questionnaire was used to assess whether pregnant women were screened for alcohol and nicotine consumption by physicians or midwives. Data of 368 women were included in the analyses.

RESULTS

30.0% reported drinking alcohol at least once a month after pregnancy recognition, 2.2% reported binge drinking and 10.1% were smokers. Only in 36.1% of the sample drinking during pregnancy was addressed. The subgroup, which drank alcohol, was not more likely to be asked about drinking habits than non-drinkers. In contrast, smoking was addressed in 66.3% of the total sample and it was addressed in nearly 90% of the smokers' subgroup.

CONCLUSION

A change in the screening practice in prenatal care with regard to alcohol drinking during pregnancy is recommended. Brief interventions can reduce drinking during pregnancy.