DIFFERENCES IN PRECONCEPTIONAL AND PRENATAL BEHAVIORS IN WOMEN WITH INTENDED AND UNINTENDED PREGNANCIES

Objectives. This study examined whether pregnancy intention was associ ated with cigarette smoking, alcohol drinking, use of vitamins, and co nsumption of caffeinated drinks prior to pregnancy and in early pregna ncy. Methods. Data from a telephone survey of 7174 pregnant women were analyzed. Results. In comparison with women whose pregnancies were in tended, women with unintended pregnancies were more likely to report c igarette smoking and less likely to report daily vitamin use. Women wi th unintended pregnancies were also less likely to decrease consumptio n of caffeinated beverages or increase daily vitamin use. Conclusions. Pregnancy intention was associated with health behaviors, prior to pr egnancy and in early pregnancy, that may influence pregnancy course an d birth outcomes.