Stigma and self-stigma among women within the context of the german "zero alcohol during pregnancy" recommendation: A qualitative analysis of online forums and blogs

Background: In many countries, including Germany, it is recommended to abstain from alcohol during pregnancy to avoid harm to the baby. In this qualitative research study, analysis of online forums was conducted to explore women's perception of the German "zero alcohol during pregnancy" recommendation with regard to stigma and self-stigma. Methods: We used a grounded theory approach to analyze online forum discussions on alcohol use during pregnancy. Data consisted of 9 discussion threads from 5 different forums and blogs involving 115 participants in total. We used key concepts developed during analysis and the theory of stigma to interpret the posts. Results: We identified five key themes: (1) Low alcohol health literacy as a breeding ground for stigmatization; (2) The widespread assumption that maternal abstinence is a prerequisite for being considered a "good mother"; (3) Interpersonal role conflicts and a guilty conscience as a result of stigmatization or self-stigmatization; (4) Paying little attention to the role of psychosocial factors in alcohol consumption, especially regarding partner responsibility during pregnancy.; (5) Understanding the "zero alcohol during pregnancy" recommendation as a complete ban, associated with loss of autonomy. Conclusion: The current method of communicating the "zero alcohol during pregnancy" recommendation may have unintended consequences. Specifically, misconceptions about the harm associated with low alcohol consumption and setting high expectations of motherhood are factors that can contribute to stigma or self-stigma and potentially undermine self-efficacy, help-seeking behavior, and overcoming the barriers to alcohol health literacy.