Differences in preconceptional and prenatal behaviors in women with intended and unintended pregnancies.
OBJECTIVE
This study examined whether pregnancy intention was associated with cigarette smoking, alcohol drinking, use of vitamins, and consumption of caffeinated drinks prior to pregnancy and in early pregnancy.


METHODS
Data from a telephone survey of 7174 pregnant women were analyzed.


RESULTS
In comparison with women whose pregnancies were intended, women with unintended pregnancies were more likely to report cigarette smoking and less likely to report daily vitamin use. Women with unintended pregnancies were also less likely to decrease consumption of caffeinated beverages or increase daily vitamin use.


CONCLUSIONS
Pregnancy intention was associated with health behaviors, prior to pregnancy and in early pregnancy, that may influence pregnancy course and birth outcomes.
Hellerstedt
W L
WL
Division of Health Management and Policy, School of Public Health, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis 55454-1015, USA.
Pirie
P L
PL
Lando
H A
HA
Curry
S J
SJ
McBride
C M
CM
Grothaus
L C
LC
Nelson
J C
JC
D000328:Adult; D000428:Alcohol Drinking / Q000523:psychology; D002110:Caffeine; D004032:Diet; D005260:Female; D015438:Health Behavior; D006801:Humans; D009035:Mothers / Q000523:psychology*; D016742:Preconception Care; D011247:Pregnancy / Q000523:psychology*; D011275:Pregnancy, Unwanted / Q000523:psychology*; D011295:Prenatal Care; D012907:Smoking / Q000523:psychology; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014815:Vitamins / Q000627:therapeutic use
D014815:Vitamins; D002110:Caffeine