SUBSTANCE USE DURING PREGNANCY: PREVALENCE, IMPACT AND SOLUTIONS (1 CE)

Course overview

This tutorial on Substance Use During Pregnancy provides an overview of the prevalence and nature of substance use among pregnant women in the United States, including the various factors that often contribute to substance abuse. It reviews the potential impact of prenatal exposure to various legal and illegal drugs on infant development and well-being. The tutorial also examines interventions for the prevention and treatment of drug use during pregnancy, from identification and education to individual and family based services. Interventions proven to promote the safety and well-being of affected newborns, such as family treatment drug courts and father involvement are also featured. Finally it explores relevant federal and state policies. Learning Objectives: 1. Explain the prevalence and nature of substance use among pregnant women in the United States. 2. Describe the potential consequences of prenatal exposure to alcohol, tobacco, various illicit drugs, and prescription drugs for infant development and well-being. 3. Compare the types of interventions needed to prevent and treat drug use during pregnancy and promote the safety and well-being of substance exposed newborns. 4. List state and federal policies designed to address issues related to prenatal substance abuse.