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
midwifes 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 midwifes. 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.