Alcohol Use Disorder in Postpartum mothers

Key things to know What the evidence shows
How common is it? Not established diagnostic AUD
Is it more common among postpartum mothers? Previous AUD/problem drinking can recur after pregnancy-related reduction
Are postpartum mothers at higher risk? Postpartum may alter drinking trajectory, especially with previous problems
How much higher is the risk? NE
How often can it be missed? Very High
Does it show up differently among postpartum mothers? Strong Yes contextually
How might it look different? Drinking to cope with sleep loss/stress, return to pre-pregnancy patterns, concealment around parenting
What commonly occurs alongside it? Postpartum depression/anxiety
What can it be confused with? Occasional alcohol use vs AUD; postpartum depression/anxiety
Common screening tool AUDIT
Separate screening tool for postpartum mothers None universal
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