The Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report analysis used Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System data, a state-based telephone survey of noninstitutionalized adults, pooled across 50 states and the District of Columbia. CDC said the analysis included 8,579 pregnant women with complete current-drinking data.
CDC defined current drinking as one or more alcoholic drinks during the previous 30 days. It defined binge drinking as four or more drinks on one occasion during that period, and heavy drinking as eight or more drinks in one week during that period.
The report estimated that 4.9% of pregnant women reported binge drinking and 2.2% reported heavy drinking during 2021-2024. The earlier CDC analysis cited in the new report estimated binge drinking at 5.2% during 2018-2020. Among pregnant women who reported any current drinking in 2021-2024, 33.2% also reported binge drinking and 14.7% also reported heavy drinking.
Alcohol use reported by pregnant U.S. women. Source: CDC MMWR, 2018-2020 and 2021-2024 BRFSS.
STAT, which reported the CDC data on 11 June, said the new estimate pointed to higher current drinking than the 2018-2020 figure. It also reported that CDC's pooled estimates did not show whether a possible 2024 dip in raw data was temporary or a sustained change.
CDC found several associations, not proof of causation. Pregnant women who were not married had about 1.8 times the adjusted prevalence of current drinking and 2.2 times the adjusted prevalence of binge drinking compared with married pregnant women. Pregnant women reporting frequent mental distress had 1.8 times the adjusted prevalence of current drinking and binge drinking, and three times the adjusted prevalence of heavy drinking, compared with those not reporting frequent mental distress.
The agency's guidance says there is no known safe amount of alcohol use during pregnancy and no safe time or type of alcohol during pregnancy. CDC says alcohol use during pregnancy can cause miscarriage, stillbirth and fetal alcohol spectrum disorders.