Karen Q Loop1, Mary D Nettleman. 1. Virginia Commonwealth University, Department of Internal Medicine, Richmond, Virginia 23298, USA.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: For the past 2 decades, public health authorities have recommended that pregnant women abstain from alcohol. We reviewed obstetrical textbooks published over the last 4 decades to identify trends in recommendations for drinking during pregnancy. The study was begun in 2000 and completed in 2001. DESIGN: Eighty-one texts were identified from a national listing service (n =51) and local library shelves (n =30). RESULTS: Only 14 (17%) of the texts contained a consistent recommendation that pregnant women should not drink alcohol. Although there was a slight upward trend toward recommendations for abstinence in more recent texts, only 24% of the 29 texts published after 1990 were in this category. Fifty-three percent of all texts and 52% of texts published after 1990 contained a sentence condoning drinking at some level. The remaining texts (30%) contained no recommendations. CONCLUSIONS: Many texts, even those published recently, have not embraced public health recommendations and, in some instances, contradict them.
BACKGROUND: For the past 2 decades, public health authorities have recommended that pregnant women abstain from alcohol. We reviewed obstetrical textbooks published over the last 4 decades to identify trends in recommendations for drinking during pregnancy. The study was begun in 2000 and completed in 2001. DESIGN: Eighty-one texts were identified from a national listing service (n =51) and local library shelves (n =30). RESULTS: Only 14 (17%) of the texts contained a consistent recommendation that pregnant women should not drink alcohol. Although there was a slight upward trend toward recommendations for abstinence in more recent texts, only 24% of the 29 texts published after 1990 were in this category. Fifty-three percent of all texts and 52% of texts published after 1990 contained a sentence condoning drinking at some level. The remaining texts (30%) contained no recommendations. CONCLUSIONS: Many texts, even those published recently, have not embraced public health recommendations and, in some instances, contradict them.
Authors: Mark E Johnson; Rebecca Volino Robinson; Staci Corey; Sarah L Dewane; Christiane Brems; L Diane Casto Journal: Int J Public Health Date: 2010-09-01 Impact factor: 3.380
Authors: Grace Chang; Tay K McNamara; E John Orav; Danielle Koby; Alyson Lavigne; Barbara Ludman; Nori Ann Vincitorio; Louise Wilkins-Haug Journal: Obstet Gynecol Date: 2005-05 Impact factor: 7.661