Experience of Pregnant Women with Problem Drinking during First Trimester of Pregnancy

PURPOSEThe purpose of this study was to explore the meaning of pregnant women's experiences with drinking alcohol during first trimester of pregnancy. METHODSThe data were collected through in-depth interviews of 7 pregnant women who drank alcohol in the first trimester. Giorgi's phenomenological method was used for data analysis. RESULTSFindings included 6 main themes and 14 themes. The main themes concerning pregnancy and drinking were: 'Open attitude in drinking, History of drinking in family or spouse, Seeking information in how drinking affects pregnancy, Regret not doing planned pregnancy and not quitting drinking before pregnancy, Willing to stop drinking until the child birth, Awareness about importance of preconception care. CONCLUSIONThe results of this study provide a deeper understanding of pregnant women's experiences of drinking alcohol during the first trimester of pregnancy. These results can be used in the development of strategies to prevent drinking alcohol during first trimester and to support preconception care and prenatal care.