Clarren 6 suggests that physicians and other health care providers should discuss the notion, prior to conception, that alcohol consumption is potentially harmful to a developing fetus. Education One of the most basic techniques used in primary prevention is public education at all levels. Information should be direct ed slightly differently for women and men. It is important to emphasize to women abstinence from alcohol and drugs during pregnancy. For partners and families, the emphasis should be placed on the supportive role that they play in a healthy pregnancy.
Many physicians are reluctant to inquire about alcohol use.
One explanation is that they wouldn't know what to do if they found pro blems. This attitu de may be overcome when physicians learn that patients often appreciate professional concern and when they know how to refer problem patients to community resources for treatment. In response to this clinical need several screening tools have been developed such as the T-ACE screening questionn aire. Although i t is understood that many physicians currently use the CAGE screening tool, this committee finds the T-ACE to have higher sensitivity and specificity when used to assess periconceptual heavy drinking. Intervention Pregnancy is an ideal time for the physician to identify drinking problems and to intervene.