“Early and consistent antenatal care helps cut smoking and alcohol use among pregnant women”
06 Oct 2025
Experts are urging stronger access to compassionate, non-judgemental antenatal care after a University of Queensland study found that regular antenatal visits are crucial in helping women reduce smoking and alcohol use during pregnancy.
The study, which analysed data from more than 57,000 women who gave birth in Queensland in 2022–23, found that women with fewer than two antenatal visits were around 15 times more likely to drink alcohol later in pregnancy.
It also showed that women who are single, have limited or no antenatal care, or have a recorded mental health condition have the highest rates of smoking in both early and late pregnancy.
Dr Claudia Bull from the University of Queensland said the research highlights important differences between alcohol and tobacco use.
“Alcohol use during pregnancy has dropped dramatically, but smoking is more persistent,” she said.
“Many women reduce or stop smoking and drinking once they know they’re pregnant, but not everyone gets the support they need to make those changes.”
Dr Bull said interventions need to target different stages of pregnancy:
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Alcohol: support should start as early as possible, even before conception.
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Smoking: ongoing support is needed throughout the pregnancy.
The study also examined sociodemographic factors such as number of antenatal visits, previous pregnancies, medical conditions, age, marital status, and place of residence to assess the risk of smoking and alcohol use.
This research follows earlier studies showing the impact of public health campaigns like ‘Every Moment Matters’ run by the Foundation for Alcohol and Education. Among pregnant women exposed to the campaign, there was a 14.2% increase in those not consuming alcohol, resulting in an estimated 2002 fewer cases of fetal alcohol spectrum disorder, 369 fewer low birth weight babies, and 958 fewer premature births.
Dr Bull said the findings reinforce the importance of early and regular maternity care and making antenatal services more accessible.
“Compassionate, non-judgemental care can make all the difference, especially for women facing challenges like mental health issues or living in remote areas,” she said.
“It’s not about telling women what not to do, but supporting them with the right care at the right time. Better messaging and culturally responsive care are key, especially for under-served groups.”
Source:University of Queensland / newsGP
