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Prenatal alcohol exposure before pregnancy awareness: a thematic analysis of online forum comments and misinformation

Frennesson, Nessie Felicia ; Merouani, Youssouf LU orcid ; Barnett, Julie ; Attwood, Angela ; Zuccolo, Luisa and McQuire, Cheryl (2025) In Frontiers in Public Health 13(2025).
Abstract
Background: Many women consume alcohol while pregnant before they are aware of the pregnancy, raising concerns about potential harms to the developing fetus. Official guidelines in the United Kingdom recommend abstinence throughout pregnancy, and many women turn to online forums for reassurance and information. However, online forums can also become a source of misinformation, potentially increasing confusion and anxiety among women who have consumed alcohol before pregnancy awareness. This study explored discussions about alcohol consumption before pregnancy awareness on Mumsnet to understand the nature of peer response and assess the accuracy of information against official health guidelines and the scientific... (More)
Background: Many women consume alcohol while pregnant before they are aware of the pregnancy, raising concerns about potential harms to the developing fetus. Official guidelines in the United Kingdom recommend abstinence throughout pregnancy, and many women turn to online forums for reassurance and information. However, online forums can also become a source of misinformation, potentially increasing confusion and anxiety among women who have consumed alcohol before pregnancy awareness. This study explored discussions about alcohol consumption before pregnancy awareness on Mumsnet to understand the nature of peer response and assess the accuracy of information against official health guidelines and the scientific literature.

Methods: A thematic analysis was conducted on 71 thread starts and 1,281 comments from Mumsnet. Data was collected via web scraping, followed by manual screening. Themes were identified, and information-sharing posts were fact-checked against scientific evidence and guidelines.

Results: Two overarching themes with five sub-themes emerged: “Type of reassurance offered”, where users offered reassurance to alleviate worries, and “Reactions to reassurance”, where some users appeared reassured while others did not. While many found reassurance, fact-checking revealed that the majority of the information was inaccurate, often underestimating the risks of prenatal alcohol exposure.

Conclusions: Online forums may provide a source of peer support to those who have consumed alcohol before pregnancy awareness but frequently spread misinformation about alcohol use in early pregnancy. Health professionals should ensure pregnant women have access to accurate information alongside appropriate support to reduce anxiety and avoid the spread of harmful misinformation. (Less)
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organization
publishing date
type
Contribution to journal
publication status
published
subject
in
Frontiers in Public Health
volume
13
issue
2025
publisher
Frontiers Media S. A.
ISSN
2296-2565
DOI
10.3389/fpubh.2025.1525004
language
English
LU publication?
yes
id
d85d2713-c6e7-48cb-840e-4f4cf427f90d
date added to LUP
2025-03-06 23:12:53
date last changed
2025-03-07 11:56:36
@article{d85d2713-c6e7-48cb-840e-4f4cf427f90d,
  abstract     = {{Background: Many women consume alcohol while pregnant before they are aware of the pregnancy, raising concerns about potential harms to the developing fetus. Official guidelines in the United Kingdom recommend abstinence throughout pregnancy, and many women turn to online forums for reassurance and information. However, online forums can also become a source of misinformation, potentially increasing confusion and anxiety among women who have consumed alcohol before pregnancy awareness. This study explored discussions about alcohol consumption before pregnancy awareness on Mumsnet to understand the nature of peer response and assess the accuracy of information against official health guidelines and the scientific literature.<br/><br/>Methods: A thematic analysis was conducted on 71 thread starts and 1,281 comments from Mumsnet. Data was collected via web scraping, followed by manual screening. Themes were identified, and information-sharing posts were fact-checked against scientific evidence and guidelines.<br/><br/>Results: Two overarching themes with five sub-themes emerged: “Type of reassurance offered”, where users offered reassurance to alleviate worries, and “Reactions to reassurance”, where some users appeared reassured while others did not. While many found reassurance, fact-checking revealed that the majority of the information was inaccurate, often underestimating the risks of prenatal alcohol exposure.<br/><br/>Conclusions: Online forums may provide a source of peer support to those who have consumed alcohol before pregnancy awareness but frequently spread misinformation about alcohol use in early pregnancy. Health professionals should ensure pregnant women have access to accurate information alongside appropriate support to reduce anxiety and avoid the spread of harmful misinformation.}},
  author       = {{Frennesson, Nessie Felicia and Merouani, Youssouf and Barnett, Julie and Attwood, Angela and Zuccolo, Luisa and McQuire, Cheryl}},
  issn         = {{2296-2565}},
  language     = {{eng}},
  month        = {{02}},
  number       = {{2025}},
  publisher    = {{Frontiers Media S. A.}},
  series       = {{Frontiers in Public Health}},
  title        = {{Prenatal alcohol exposure before pregnancy awareness: a thematic analysis of online forum comments and misinformation}},
  url          = {{http://dx.doi.org/10.3389/fpubh.2025.1525004}},
  doi          = {{10.3389/fpubh.2025.1525004}},
  volume       = {{13}},
  year         = {{2025}},
}