Killing Me Softly: Reviewing the Literature about Substance Abuse in Pregnant Women

Kerina Marris HSB 4MI June 19th, 2013

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Table of Contents Introduction.. 2 Why Women Abuse Illicit Substances. 3 Effects on the Fetus.. 4 Treatment.. 5 Conclusion 6 Reference List... 7

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Introduction: While pregnant women are not only eating for two, they are also breathing and drinking for two. It is always important to take into consideration what women as soon-to-be-mothers are allowing their babies to consume (Medline Plus). That being said, while most pregnant women do not abuse illicit substances, the National Survey on Drug Use and Health found that among pregnant women ages 15 to 44, it is younger women who are usually reported as the greatest substance abusers (National Institute on Drug Abuse). The questions that come to mind are: what motivates or allows women to abuse these illicit substances when they know the potential harm and danger that it could bring to their baby? Why are they willing to take these huge risks? This issue is becoming a greater, ongoing problem in society (need to reference this fact or provide evidence to support the statement) and it needs to be addressed more formally. More young women are getting into drugs and falling (getting?) pregnant and without the knowledge of knowing how to properly care for their baby, they are putting both themselves and the unborn child in harms way. (SS) (support the drugs and pregnancy claim as well pregnancy rates are down among teens) People are starting to realize the effects that this problem has on both the mothers and the babies, and are creating various treatment programs to help the mother get better educated on what she is doing to her child and programs to help women deal with the substance abuse problems. The overall objective of this literature review is to investigate pregnant women and their substance abusing habits. It will specifically focus on: the reasons why women start using illicit substances initially (whether before or during the pregnancy), the potential effects and dangers that each drug has on both the mother and mainly the fetus, and the differentiating means of treatment the pregnant women can do in order to desist their illicit substance use.

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Why Women Abuse Illicit Substances: The literature is in wide agreement that women do not always necessarily abuse illicit substances while pregnant because they want to, but rather because it is something that they do not have control over for various reasons. In Masseys et al (2 010) article Association of Clinical Characteristics and Cessation of Tobacco, Alcohol, and Illicit Drug Use during Pregnancy, they believe that persistent substance abuse is mainly related to prenatal depression and mood disorders, and that there is also a relationship between the history of problematic relationships and health behaviours, which essentially leads women to drug use; which continues on into their pregnancy.

Need to phrase as an argument about the literature; ie. The literature is in wide agreement that women abuse substances because (find the connection between the arguments below) Massey (2010) believes that persistent substance use during pregnancy is related to prenatal depression and mood disorders. It can also relate to a history of problematic relationships and health behaviours. Day (2013) suggests that the women were previously involved in crime such as prostitution, robberies and burglaries in order to finance their drug habits, which continues into their pregnancy. OReilly (2013) believes that the women had used illicit drugs and alcohol for recreational purposes before knowing they are pregnant, while also using drugs while pregnant because of an addiction or mental health problem

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Effects on the Fetus:

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Treatment:

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Conclusion:

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Reference List Alton, I. (2000). Substance Abuse During Pregnancy. In M. Story & J. Stang (Eds.), Nutrition and the Pregnant Adolescent (125-134). Minneapolis: University of Minnesota Day, E., George, S. (2005) Advances in Psych Management of drug misuse in pregnancy. Advances in Psychiatric Treatment, 11. Retrieved from http://apt.rcpsych.org/content/11/4/253.full Foley, M. R. (2007). Drug Use During Pregnancy. The MERK Manual, (n.d). Retrieved from http://www.merckmanuals.com/home/womens_health_issues/drug_use_during_pregnancy/ drug_use_during_pregnancy.html Lester, B. M., & Twomey, J. E. (2008). Treatment of Substance Abuse During Pregnancy. Womens Health, 4(1). Retrieved from http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/568725_4 Massey, S. M., Lieberman, D. Z., Reiss, D., Leve, L. D., Shaw, D. S., & Neiderhiser, J. (2011, March). Association of Clinical Characteristics and Cessation of Tobacco, Alcohol, and Illicit Drug Use during Pregnancy. American Journal on Addictions, 20(2), 143-150. Retrieved from EBSCO Host. Ornoy, A., & Ergaz, Z. (2010, February).Alcohol Abuse in Pregnant Women: Effects on the Fetus and Newborn, Mode of Action and Maternal Treatment. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 7 (2), 364-379. Retrieved from http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2872283/