Objectives: This study describes the patterns of change in health behaviours that pregnant women adopt before and during pregnancy.
Study design: A cross-sectional survey of pregnant women asked questions about pregnancy planning, health knowledge, and health behaviour. Analysis was descriptive with associations examined using logistic regression models.
Main outcome measures: Health behaviours before and during pregnancy (smoking, alcohol consumption, and folic acid and multivitamin (supplement) intake), and recall of healthcare professional advice.
Results: 1173 women completed the survey (mean age 32 ± 5 years, 68% white) of whom 73% indicated that their pregnancy was highly planned. 38% of women reported having never smoked, 45% quit smoking before becoming pregnant, and fewer (5%, 95% CI 3-6%) reported currently smoking. Current smokers reported reduced cigarette consumption compared to pre-pregnancy, and higher recall of health professional information. Nine percent (95% CI 5-8%) reported currently drinking, reducing the number of units consumed from 6 units weekly before pregnancy (IQR 2-10) to 1 unit weekly during pregnancy (IQR 1-2, p < 0.001). Most (62%) women were currently taking supplements, of whom 81% reported daily use. Women with more planned pregnancies had higher odds of adopting healthier behaviours of stopping smoking or drinking before pregnancy compared to those who stopped during pregnancy or continued the behaviour.
Conclusions: Most women adopted one or more healthy behaviours during pregnancy, with a small minority continuing to smoke or drink alcohol. For women who continued smoking in pregnancy and recalled information from health professionals, additional tailored approaches need to be explored.
Keywords: Alcohol drinking; Folic acid; Health behaviour; Pregnancy; Smoking; Vitamins.
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