Pregnancy - Substance Use Disorders and Recommended Treatments for Recovery

Course overview

Women have been reported to be at high risk of developing a substance use disorder as youth, and this risk increases during their reproductive years. Prenatal substance use has been correlated with severe harm to the mother and developing fetus. Tobacco is commonly used during pregnancy and it is often used with other substances, such as alcohol. The increase in opiate use in North America within the general population corresponds with a higher risk of opiate use during pregnancy, including risk of maternal withdrawal symptoms, fetal stress and neonatal abstinence syndrome. Once a health provider determines that a pregnant patient has an issue with substance use, the provider must address multiple issues related to the pregnant woman's physical condition, severity of withdrawal, mental health, and health education needs related to lifestyle. These multiple issues are best dealt with by involving members of the interdisciplinary health team who have specialized skills to address these diverse needs.