Relationships between physician advice and tobacco and alcohol use during pregnancy

Introduction: We sought to examine relationships between physician advice and use of tobacco and alcohol during pregnancy among 683 women in the upper Midwest. Methods: Data on risk of substance use during pregnancy were analyzed using logistic regression analysis. Results: A higher proportion of women used tobacco (34%) than alcohol (25%) during their most recent pregnancy. Women who received advice from a physician to abstain from alcohol reported a lower risk of smoking and drinking during pregnancy than women who did not receive such advice. Risk of smoking and drinking during pregnancy was also common among women who reported early onset of alcohol use. Conclusions: Results suggest that physician advice regarding alcohol use during pregnancy is protective against maternal smoking and drinking during pregnancy.