Alcohol in Pregnancy
NHS Coventry is in the process of developing a social marketing campaign encouraging women not to drink alcohol when pregnant. Recognising the complexity of attitudes, perceptions and experiences of alcohol in pregnancy, focus groups were carried out with identified target audiences in order to gain a deeper understanding of their beliefs.
The focus groups were carried out in a community venue, were it was believed that the mothers would feel at ease. Focus groups were selected as they are believed to encourage openness and provide opportunity for the participants to share their opinions.
The participants were asked about their understanding of the national advice regarding alcohol consumption during pregnancy. There was a distinction in the groups among those who had been given advice by a health professional namely their midwife and those that hadn’t been given any information. There was uncertainty as to whether this was because they had stated in their initial assessment that they didn’t drink often or at all.
It was evident that information given by other health professionals such as GPs varied with one participant stating that they were told that they could have a glass of wine or two and another stating that she was told not to have any. Interestingly, it was stated that information given by health professionals regarding alcohol consumption would have been adhered to.
To view the full published report - please see the link below:
Alcohol in Pregnancy