AUTHOR=Frennesson Nessie Felicia , Merouani Youssouf , Barnett Julie , Attwood Angela , Zuccolo Luisa , McQuire Cheryl 

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

JOURNAL=Frontiers in Public Health

VOLUME=Volume 13 - 2025

YEAR=2025

URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/public-health/articles/10.3389/fpubh.2025.1525004

DOI=10.3389/fpubh.2025.1525004

ISSN=2296-2565

ABSTRACT=BackgroundMany 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.MethodsA 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.ResultsTwo 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.ConclusionsOnline 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.