The Canyon

Pregnancy and Drug Addiction

While the dangers of exposing your unborn child to drugs and alcohol are clear, researchers have discovered that actually engaging soon-to-be moms with questions about their substance use is still quite muddled. The risks are paramount, yet doctors are reluctant to talk to their prenatal patients with anything more than the outdated “Drugs are bad. You shouldn’t do drugs because they’ll hurt the baby,” routine.

Probing the Subject of Drug and Alcohol Use: A Catch-22

Dr. Richard Frankel, a medical sociologist elaborates, “Pregnant women are sensitive about being asked about substance abuse and some healthcare providers may feel that talking about these issues will compromise the provider-patient relationship, however, the evidence suggests that the benefits of a frank discussion about substance abuse far outweigh the costs to the relationship….

“Previous studies have shown that one minute of a doctor’s time for tobacco counseling has a measureable effect on attempts to quit smoking. We believe a similar strategy could be used to teach providers to engage pregnant women in brief but effective discussions of alcohol and drug abuse risks,” he says.

Better Prenatal Communication Leads to Reduced Drug Dependence

Could it be that medical professionals are in denial about the extensive nature of drug and alcohol use among pregnant women? That’s not to say that all women who use substances during pregnancy are addicts, but even so, free campaign literature for sobriety during pregnancy and while breastfeeding are practically a moms-to-be first shower gift. The intentions are good, but the message gets tossed in the trash all too often.

Physicians and midwives need immediate access to drug and alcohol rehab referrals, along with training in how to approach patients in a nonjudgmental, nonthreatening way. Partnering with local counseling and therapy services makes information available to all women – not just those who may look as if they’re at risk for abusing alcohol or illicit drugs.

“Obstetrical care providers may be more comfortable dealing with tobacco but alcohol and illicit drugs are just as, if not more, important to address. Doctors and midwives need to know what resources are available for counseling and which of these programs are most likely to work for expectant mothers. By helping the patient with alcohol and or drug abuse the provider can make a major difference in the health of the baby throughout his or her lifetime,” urges Dr. Frankel.

Tell Us: Would you be more likely to get help for a drug or alcohol problem while pregnant if you knew there was somewhere safe you could go for help?