Beer consumption among hazardous drinkers during pregnancy.
OBJECTIVE
The objective of this study was to examine the prevalence of beer consumption among hazardous drinkers in our pregnant patient population.


METHODS
This prospective clinic-based cohort study involved women who were surveyed during their first prenatal visit. Hazardous drinking was identified on alcohol surveys as frequent or binge drinking habits with related consequences. Participants completed initial and postpartum interviews about the quantity, frequency, and type (beer, wine, liquor, and/or combinations) of alcoholic beverages consumed before and after pregnancy recognition.


RESULTS
Of the total 4,494 patients who completed the survey, 203 (4.52%) met criteria for hazardous drinking, met study eligibility criteria, and completed the interviews. Beer was consumed most often (n = 151, 74.4%) and in greater quantities than wine (P < .05) or liquor (P < .01). Beer continued to be consumed by 52.3% women after pregnancy recognition. Although abstinence for prolonged periods was common during pregnancy, beer was consumed more than wine and liquor per drinking episode (2.7 versus 0.9 drinking units per drinking day; P = .002) indicating a binging pattern. Very few switched to drinking either a light beer (n = 6) or a nonalcoholic beer (n = 1).


CONCLUSIONS
Beer is the most consumed among women with hazardous drinking habits before and after pregnancy awareness. Focusing on binge beer drinking is worthwhile during routine prenatal questioning.


METHODS
II-2.
Rayburn
William F
WF
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, 87131, USA. wrayburn@salud.unm.edu
Meng
Chen
C
Rayburn
Brittany B
BB
Proctor
Brandi
B
Handmaker
Nancy S
NS
D000328:Adult; D000428:Alcohol Drinking / Q000453:epidemiology*; D001515:Beer; D015331:Cohort Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D011247:Pregnancy; D015995:Prevalence; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012309:Risk-Taking