Stéphanie Toutain

What women in France say about alcohol abstinence during pregnancy.

INTRODUCTION AND AIMS In spite of the implemented policies warning of the dangers of alcohol consumption for pregnant women, many women still continue drinking during pregnancy. This article focuses on the question of the representations of alcohol consumption during pregnancy in France. DESIGN AND METHODS A qualitative approach based on discussions with 42 pregnant women in three Internet chat groups in 2007 was used for our study. RESULTS The recommendation for total abstinence is often misunderstood by women, as are the consequences of drinking for the unborn babies. Besides, these Internet users do not seem to know much about the consequences of alcohol consumption for unborn babies. Finally, their sources of information are varied (written, oral, television, Internet, professionals of health, family networks and friends); however, their mothers remain the most credible source for them. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION Alcohol consumption during pregnancy already constitutes a real taboo for the heath care professionals in France. It is extremely urgent and imperative that they recommend total abstinence during pregnancy, in order to avoid any irreversible consequences for the unborn babies.