In general, people do not remember or report all of their drinking, but heavier drinkers will usually report more alcohol use. Pregnant women are more likely to respond accurately because of their concern about the health of the child. Nevertheless, they will probably underestimate in answer to vague and general questions, and they may neglect to mention occasional binges when asked only about average alcohol consumption. The number of pregnant women taking two or more drinks a day ranges from 0.5 percent to 10 percent in various studies. The danger of FAS and FAE has become widely known through public service announcements on radio and television, pamphlets in clinics and doctors' offices, signs in liquor stores and bars, and, more recently, labels on alcoholic beverage containers.
Surveys show that by now most people understand the risks of drinking during pregnancy.
This public education campaign may be enough to deter light and moderate drinkers, but studies suggest that it has little effect on most heavy drinkers and chronic alcoholics. They need more individual, sustained counseling, and the most convenient way to reach them is through doctors in their offices and prenatal care clinics. Unfortunately, doctors and other health care providers often feel uncomfortable talking about alcohol abuse and wrongly suppose that women will be offended if they mention it. In reality, women want information but hesitate to bring up the subject themselves. One study showed that four-fifths of the problem drinking in a group of pregnant women came to light only after detailed inquiry.