Correlates of postpartum alcohol use

Objective: The purposes of this investigation are to (1) describe drinking patterns among women attending a postpartum visit, and (2) identify correlates of postpartum "at risk" drinking. Methods: A survey was completed by 8706 women at their postpartum visit. We identified correlates of "at risk" drinking, defined as binge drinking (4 or more drinks per occasion at least once in the past month) or consuming an average of >7 drinks/wk. Results: A total of 997 women (12%) reported "at risk" drinking. At risk drinkers were more likely than other women to have been frequent drinkers prior to pregnancy (>7 drinks/wk), scored 1 or 2 on the CAGE, smoked postpartum, and been unmarried. Black women, those over age 35, "stay-at-home mothers," and women having breastfed were less likely to report "at risk" drinking. Conclusion: This study supports routine alcohol screening of women attending a postpartum visit with their obstetrician.