5 Things to Know About Alcohol Use During and After Pregnancy

1. Alcohol use during pregnancy remains a serious public health concern.

According to data from 2018–2020, nearly 14% (or 1 in 7) pregnant people report current drinking and about 5% (or 1 in 20) report binge drinking during the past 30 days. Alcohol use during pregnancy is associated with an increased risk for miscarriage, stillbirth, SIDS, and preterm birth and can cause a range of lifelong behavioral, intellectual, and physical disabilities known as fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASDs). The postpartum period presents an additional opportunity to identify excessive alcohol use, have patient-centered discussions about underlying reasons for excessive alcohol use, and to intervene to reduce associated health risks as well as the potential for alcohol consumption during a future pregnancy.

2. Alcohol screening and brief intervention (SBI) is effective.

Alcohol SBI is a proven clinical preventive service with decades of research showing that it is effective for reducing excessive alcohol use, which includes any use during pregnancy. Alcohol SBI involves an evidence-based set of screening questions to identify patients' alcohol use patterns and facilitate a short conversation with patients who drink excessively, and to provide resources and a referral to treatment when appropriate. Alcohol SBI is recommended by the US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF)for all adults in primary care, including people who are pregnant, and is endorsed by major medical professional organizations as well as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).