A new study published in the CDC‘s Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report has found high rates of alcohol consumption among pregnant Americans. The study, which surveyed pregnant adults in the US between 2018 and 2020, found that nearly 14% (or 1 out of 7) people reported current drinking. About 5% (or 1 out of 20) people reported binge drinking within the last 30 days.

Those age 25–34 were less likely to report current drinking than those age 35–49 (participants were between 18 and 49 years of age). College educated, employed, and unmarried pregnant people were more likely to report current drinking. Those who experienced frequent mental distress were also more likely to report current drinking. Lastly, despite some evidence that alcohol sales have increased during the COVID-19 pandemic, alcohol use by pregnant people does not appear to have been significantly higher in 2020 than it was in 2019.

It is estimated that 15.4% of pregnant adults in the region that includes Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, and Wisconsin have consumed at least one alcoholic drink in the last 30 days. Rates were higher in only 3 other regions of the United States.

The study, “Alcohol Consumption and Binge Drinking During Pregnancy Among Adults Aged 18–49 Years — United States, 2018–2020,” can be read in full here.

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