Health behaviours of pregnant women in Fort McMurray, Alberta.

Baby. Vision was a survey of lifestyle behaviours of pregnant women in the Fort McMurray area, conducted between April and June 1989. The survey goal was to establish baseline data for coordinated health promotion programs for expectant parents. Questionnaires were completed by 173 pregnant women. Overall the women were well educated and in high-income households. Approximately one third of the women (36.6%) reported smoking during pregnancy. Most (90%) were exposed to second-hand smoke. Almost half (48.8%) stated they had consumed alcoholic beverages since learning of their pregnancy. Thirty percent were unaware of their immunization status. Most (98%) reported doing something to improve their health during this pregnancy, improved eating habits being most often mentioned. The results indicate that health promotion activities might improve the birth outcomes in Fort McMurray and outlying areas. The data may be relevant to other relatively remote areas in Canada.