Objective

This work examined alcohol use and risk and protective factors related among pregnant and breastfeeding women from Córdoba (Argentina).

Methodology

In total, 475 women (202 pregnant and 273 breastfeeding) between 18-47 years old participated. Participants completed an online survey that measured alcohol use and the occurrence of different risk and protective factors for alcohol use.

Results

The 93,1% of pregnant and 68,1% of breastfeeding women reported no alcohol use. A riskier profile was observed in breastfeeding women. Among pregnant women, only risk perception explained their alcohol use. Among breastfeeding women, risk perception, alcohol use of the persons they live with, the recommendation of not drinking in their condition by relatives or friends and alcohol use approval in other breastfeeding women explained their alcohol use.

Discussion

Our results highlight the need to provide clear and precise information about the risks associated with alcohol use during pregnancy and, specially, breastfeeding and the need to incorporate four social actors in prevention campaigns: health professionals and cohabitants, family and friends of the pregnant or breastfeeding woman.