This study investigated alcohol use in women in Western Australia around the time of conception. Researchers found 46.7% of the women had not planned their pregnancy and most women (79.8%) reported drinking alcohol in the 3 months before pregnancy, with 58.7% drinking alcohol in at least one trimester of pregnancy. Authors concluded that women generally reduced their average alcohol consumption and the number of standard drinks as their pregnancy progressed, however 10-14% continued to drink above current recommended levels.
Authors: Lyn Colvin, Jan Payne, Deborah Parsons, Jennifer J Kurinczuk, Carol Bower
Date: February 2007