How Effective Are Obstetric Providers at Counseling About Alcohol, Tobacco, and Marijuana Use During Pregnancy? [ID 1062]

INTRODUCTION: Alcohol, smoking, and marijuana usage in pregnant women has significant risks to their fetuses. These risks include congenital birth defects, growth restriction, and behavioral effects. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends that obstetric providers counsel patients against usage and of the risks to their fetus. METHODS: IRB approval was obtained. A survey with corresponding questions was administered to pregnant patients and obstetrical providers. Answers from the two groups were compared using chi-squared test for independence. RESULTS: Thirty-eight patients and 38 obstetrical providers were surveyed. Fifty percent, 55%, and 37% of patients report being counseled on alcohol, smoking, and marijuana cessation in pregnancy compared to 100%, 100%, and 92% counseling rates reported by providers. Fifty-eight percent, 61%, and 53% of patients report being counseled on risks to their fetus from alcohol, smoking, and marijuana use in pregnancy compared to 100%, 97%, and 84% counseling rates reported by providers. Twenty-four percent of patients think that marijuana usage is safe during pregnancy compared to 26% of providers. CONCLUSIONS/IMPLICATIONS: Although almost all obstetric providers report counseling about avoidance of and risks to their fetuses from alcohol, smoking, and marijuana usage in pregnancy, only approximately half of patients recall that they received any such counseling. Providers should improve their efforts and strategies regarding their counseling of pregnant patients about alcohol, smoking, and marijuana cessation and fetal risks.