The consumption of alcohol-free and low-alcohol drinks is a rapidly growing trend, with 9.8% of adults consuming them on a weekly basis in the UK. The increased popularity has led to public health policy interest in whether they could contribute to reduced alcohol intake and associated harms. However, little is known about their use before, during or after pregnancy.

This webinar will explore novel research exploring the use of these drinks by pregnant and recent pregnant women in the UK. It will explore current understanding about their role during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Why attend?

• Learn about current UK consumption trends of alcohol-free and low-alcohol drinks before and during pregnancy.
• Learn about reported barriers to and reasons for consuming alcohol-free and low-alcohol drinks before and during pregnancy and how this relates to alcohol consumption.
• Explore how these drinks are perceived and used during breastfeeding

Speakers

Kate Maslin PhD RD is a Senior Research Fellow in Maternal and Child Health and lead for the Reproductive Health research group at the School of Nursing and Midwifery at the University of Plymouth. She is an honorary visiting lecturer at the REALIFE (Reproduction and lifestyle for healthier families) research group in KU Leuven, Belgium. Her research primarily focuses on nutrition during preconception and pregnancy.

She is chair for the UK Preconception Partnership early and mid-career network and a founding committee member of the British Dietetic Association Women’s Health and fertility nutrition group. She was the topic expert for the UK NICE guideline committee on Maternal and Child Nutrition (2021-2025). She has previously worked as an MSc programme lead/lecturer in dietetics and clinical dietitian for several years.

Heather Hopper PhD, MSc, BSc (Hons), RM, PGCE, SFHEA. is a clinical academic midwife, with a passion for supporting and improving care for families in the perinatal period. She is an Associate Professor of Midwifery at the University of Plymouth, and an Honorary Consultant Midwife with University Hospitals Plymouth. She teaches at undergraduate and postgraduate level, has a leadership role in the School of Nursing and Midwifery, and undertakes research in collaboration with both university and clinical colleagues.