Use of legal drugs by pregnant women

Abstract

The use of alcohol and other licit drugs during pregnancy represents a serious public health problem. This behavior has been associated with negative outcomes for both the mother and the newborn. Even with the recommendations of health authorities and their opposition to the use of such substances, it is still present amongst pregnant women. Evaluating the consumption of alcoholic beverages, cigarettes and other substances in pregnant women over 18 years of age from different regions of Brazil and possibly providing data to professionals and future health actions aimed at this phase of life were the objectives of this study. The design of this study was cross-sectional, conducted between August and November 2019, through an online form, completed by the pregnant women themselves, whose variables were socio-demographic and related to the consumption of alcohol, tobacco and other substances. The referral of the form was directed to virtual communities followed by pregnant women. The consumption of alcoholic beverage was present among 45,1% of pregnant women, with 12,5% between two or more times a week, specially with regard to fermented products such as wine at social events, followed by beer. Smoking was also observed, as well as living with smokers, a fact that suggests that many pregnant women are passive smokers. Current research data show the need to disseminate information, as much as the improvement of public health politics directed to mother-baby health and related to alcohol consumption and smoking are improved so that a healthy pregnancy development is guaranteed.