Drinking and smoking in pregnancy: which questions do Swiss physicians ask?

Background: Although drinking and smokingduring pregnancy can have hazardous effects toexposed children, a certain number of pregnantwomen continues to consume alcohol and nicotine.It was investigated whether physicians andmidwifes in Switzerland ask pregnant womenabout their drinking and smoking habits.Method: A self-report questionnaire was usedto assess whether pregnant women were screenedfor alcohol and nicotine consumption by physiciansor midwifes. Data of 368 women were includedin the analyses.Results: 30.0% reported drinking alcohol atleast once a month after pregnancy recognition,2.2% reported binge drinking and 10.1% weresmokers. Only in 36.1% of the sample drinkingduring pregnancy was addressed. The subgroup,which drank alcohol, was not more likely to beasked about drinking habits than non-drinkers. Incontrast, smoking was addressed in 66.3% of thetotal sample and it was addressed in nearly 90% ofthe smokers’ subgroup.Conclusion: A change in the screening practicein prenatal care with regard to alcohol drinkingduring pregnancy is recommended. Brief interventionscan reduce drinking during pregnancy.