Mia's Feed
Medical News & Research

Addressing the Underdiagnosis of Alcohol Use Disorder During and After Pregnancy

Addressing the Underdiagnosis of Alcohol Use Disorder During and After Pregnancy

Share this article

Recent research reveals significant gaps in the treatment of alcohol use disorder during pregnancy and postpartum, highlighting urgent needs for improved care and support.

2 min read

Alcohol use disorder (AUD) remains significantly undertreated among pregnant women and new mothers, posing substantial risks to both parents and infants. Despite the availability of evidence-based treatments, including pharmacotherapy and counseling, their utilization during pregnancy is surprisingly low. This gap is partly due to the lack of clear clinical guidelines, limited data on the safety of AUD medications during pregnancy, and prevalent stigma surrounding substance use in pregnant populations.

Recent research analyzing a comprehensive national medical claims database highlighted troubling trends in treatment patterns. The study compared treatment rates between pregnant women and non-pregnant peers, finding that the proportion receiving alcohol-related medication dropped sharply during pregnancy, with only 0.3% of pregnant women on such treatments by the third trimester, compared to 8% of non-pregnant women. After childbirth, treatment rates increased slightly but remained low.

The findings suggest that pregnancy is not necessarily a window of opportunity for engaging women in AUD treatment, as often assumed, but may instead be associated with treatment discontinuation. These gaps in care during pregnancy and postpartum emphasize the urgent need for improved treatment strategies, better guidelines, and reduced stigma to protect entire families from the dangerous consequences of untreated AUD.

For further details, refer to the study published in Alcohol, Clinical and Experimental Research (2025). Source

Stay Updated with Mia's Feed

Get the latest health & wellness insights delivered straight to your inbox.

How often would you like updates?

We respect your privacy. Unsubscribe at any time.

Related Articles

Long-Term Use of Desogestrel Contraceptive Associated with Slight Increase in Brain Tumor Risk

Prolonged use of the contraceptive pill desogestrel for over five years may slightly increase the risk of developing benign brain tumors, according to a French study. The risk diminishes after stopping the medication and is not observed with levonorgestrel. Experts suggest monitoring patients and discontinuing desogestrel if tumors are detected.

Enhanced Prediction of Chronic Kidney Disease Progression Using Advanced AI Models

Researchers have developed advanced AI models that significantly improve prediction accuracy for CKD progression to ESRD, promoting earlier intervention and personalized patient care.

Setback in the Fight Against Pediatric HIV

Recent funding reductions threaten groundbreaking research in pediatric HIV cure efforts in Botswana, risking years of progress in the fight against HIV/AIDS in children.