A new survey in Bermuda has found that binge drinking during pregnancy remains a concern, even as fewer women are smoking. Health officials say the findings will help shape future education and support programmes.

The Survey of Pregnant Women 2025 collected anonymous responses from 60 pregnant women. The Department for National Drug Control surveyed the Ministry of National Security. Officials have conducted the study every few years since 2005 to track alcohol, tobacco, marijuana, and vaping use during pregnancy.

More than half of the women, 55 per cent, said they had never consumed alcohol. However, 15 per cent said they drank alcohol after becoming pregnant. Another 18.4 per cent reported having six or more drinks on one occasion. Health officials said this level of drinking could put both mother and baby at risk. Two women also recorded scores that suggested hazardous alcohol use or possible alcohol dependence.

The survey found positive signs for tobacco use. Ten per cent of respondents said they had used tobacco during the past year. None reported smoking cigarettes in the previous 30 days. Nearly one in five women said they quit smoking after learning they were pregnant. More than 90 per cent knew smoking could harm their baby. Still, fewer than half said a doctor or other health professional had spoken to them about those risks during pregnancy.

Researchers also examined marijuana and vaping. Around 23.3 per cent of respondents reported using marijuana during the past year, while only 1.7 per cent said they currently use it. Vaping showed the biggest increase. About 16.7 per cent of women said they had used e-cigarettes or other electronic nicotine products. That figure was just 3.1 per cent in the 2020 survey.

National Security Minister Michael Weeks said the findings give health officials a better understanding of the challenges some pregnant women face. He encouraged healthcare workers and community groups to continue supporting mothers and families.

The report recommends more public education on the dangers of alcohol, tobacco, marijuana, and vaping during pregnancy. It also calls for stronger support services, better prenatal education, and more outreach to women before and during pregnancy.