Prenatal alcohol exposure before pregnancy awareness: a thematic analysis of online forum comments and misinformation.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Many women consume alcohol while pregnant before they are aware of the pregnancy, raising concerns about potential harms to the developing fetus. Official guidelines in the United Kingdom recommend abstinence throughout pregnancy, and many women turn to online forums for reassurance and information. However, online forums can also become a source of misinformation, potentially increasing confusion and anxiety among women who have consumed alcohol before pregnancy awareness. This study explored discussions about alcohol consumption before pregnancy awareness on Mumsnet to understand the nature of peer response and assess the accuracy of information against official health guidelines and the scientific literature.

Methods

A thematic analysis was conducted on 71 thre

SUBMITTER: Frennesson NF 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11883443 | biostudies-literature | 2025

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature