Sarah Fox - Consultant MidwifeSarah Fox - Consultant MidwifeSian Phillips - MidwifeSian Phillips - Midwife

Is it an awkward question?Alcohol consumption increases “risky” sexual

behaviour which can result in unplanned pregnancies.

Upwards of 50% of pregnancies are “unplanned”

Alcohol is likely to have been consumed by many women in the first trimester

What % of women consume alcohol at some point during their pregnancy?

75%

What % of women report a “binge” (6 or more units on 1 occasion) episode during pregnancy?

One third

What % of women report a “binge” (6 or more units on 1 occasion) episode during pregnancy but after their first trimester?

1%*statistics obtained from BMJ Online Journal cited in The

Independent 6/7/15

What may be the barriers to an honest conversation?Lack of knowledge of the impact of alcoholLack of timeClient sensitivityStigmatisationAlienationLack of knowledge of referral pathways

All Wales what questioning is required from a midwife?NB

the women complete the booking notes prior to the midwife arriving. The midwife will review what is written and ask questions where appropriate and to confirm accuracy.

Is this helpful to the “awkward question”?

Role playTypes of ways to ask the questions:

How many unit of alcohol do you drink per week?

Do you mind if I ask whether you drink any alcohol?

How many units of alcohol have you consumed in the last week? In the last month?

To think aboutWhich is easier counting cigarettes or units

of alcohol?Alcohol is more socially acceptable and it is

legal

What next?Unit consumed at booking and at 36/40Refer if:

Drinking while pregnantSerious history with alcohol in the past

Sarah.fox@wales.nhs.uk

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