Committee opinion no. 496: At-risk drinking and alcohol dependence: obstetric and gynecologic implications

Abstract

Compared with men, at-risk alcohol use by women has a disproportionate effect on their health and lives, including reproductive function and pregnancy outcomes. Obstetrician–gynecologists have a key role in screening and providing brief intervention, patient education, and treatment referral for their patients who drink alcohol at risk levels. For women who are not physically addicted to alcohol, tools such as brief intervention and motivational interviewing can be used effectively by the clinician and incorporated into an office visit. For pregnant women and those at risk of pregnancy, it is important for the obstetrician–gynecologist to give compelling and clear advice to avoid alcohol use, provide assistance for achieving abstinence, or provide effective contraception to women who require help. Health care providers should advise women that low-level consumption of alcohol in early pregnancy is not an indication for pregnancy termination.