Drug and Alcohol Use in Pregnancy and Early Parenthood

Smiles, C; McGovern, R; Kaner, E; Rankin, J

doi:10.1007/978-3-031-17285-4_9

Drug and Alcohol Use in Pregnancy and Early Parenthood

Lookup NU author(s): Claire Smiles ORCiD, Dr Ruth McGovern ORCiD, Professor Eileen Kaner ORCiD, Professor Judith Rankin

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Abstract

Drug and alcohol use during pregnancy is a complex public health issue. Women who use drugs and alcohol have poor reproductive health and poor contraceptive use and are at an increased risk of unplanned pregnancy. Alcohol consumption during pregnancy places the unborn child at risk of foetal alcohol syndrome and foetal alcohol spectrum disorder, whilst drug use during pregnancy increases the risk of neonatal abstinence withdrawal and lower birth weight and some may have long-term health and development impairments. Midwives and other healthcare professionals play an important role in supporting women through pregnancy; however, substance use can make this more challenging. Many women who use drugs during pregnancy report experiencing negative stereotyping and judgement from health and social care professionals. This, coupled with the stigma of using substances during pregnancy, is the biggest barrier to care. Despite this, many women who use drugs and alcohol are motivated to be ‘good’ mothers who love and care for their children. The health and social care outcomes for women who use drugs and alcohol rely on improving provision, which is inclusive and considerate of the needs of this population.