Consumo de álcool durante a gravidez: perceção de mulheres grávidas relativamente à informação disponível: estudo exploratório qualitativo

Research data indicate that there is a considerable number of pregnant women who maintain their drinking behavior during pregnancy (DDP), in spite of WHOs’ indications not to. International studies document a group of disturbances associated prenatal exposure to alcohol, including to low levels. The information that pregnant women have about DDP may contribute to a more informed decision about drinking or abstaining during gestation. Regarding the lack of national data in this area, this exploratory study aimed to investigate the accessibility and quality of information available for pregnant women. Participants were 13 pregnant women, recruited by mixed sampling methods (by criteria and snowball). After informed consent, in-depth semi structured interviews based on a previously organized interview protocol were conducted, transcribed and submitted to semi-inductive content analysis. Participants reported specific lack of knowledge about consequences of DDP, as well as existence of pro-drinking, anti-drinking or uncertain or unclear content. Privileged sources of information were internet and health care professionals. Nome of the participants had any information about national drinking guidelines during pregnancy, which advise total abstinence. As this study showed, there are a number of limitations regarding accessibility and quality of information related to ADP. To ensure that all (pregnant) women are aware about ADP, and that informed decision is present, we highlight the importance of the different professionals involved in pregnancy healthcare arena dealing with the development of effective universal, selective and indicated prevention strategies tailored for this population.