Substance Misuse in Pregnancy - NHS Lothian

Antenatal Antenatal care care (before (before the the birth) birth)
birth)
When you are pregnant it is very important that you are checked
regularly and attend for all your scans and other tests. Women (and
their babies) who get regular antenatal checks tend to do better than
those who don’t. Midwives are there to help you and will try to answer
any questions and fears that you may have. When you see the midwife,
let them know about your drug and alcohol use so that you can be
offered the special care you and your baby need.
If you have a drug worker, tell them you are pregnant so that they
can help you with aspects of your drug use during pregnancy. You
might also need a social worker or welfare rights worker to help
with benefits or any other social problem (e.g. housing, debts, legal
problems etc).
Normally, the midwife will organise a meeting around the 28th week
(seven months) of your pregnancy to discuss how things are going and
to plan ahead for the arrival of your baby. You (and your partner if
you wish) would be asked to meet with professionals involved in your
care so that any support that you might need can be arranged well in
advance.
HIV, HIV, hepatitis hepatitis B B and and hepatitis hepatitis C C
C
Your midwife will offer routine testing for HIV and hepatitis B at
your antenatal ‘booking’ appointment. These viral infections can pass
from mother to baby. Treatment can now greatly reduce the likelihood
of your baby getting these infections so it is important you get tested.
If you have injected drugs or had unprotected sex with anyone who
has, you could be at risk of HIV, hepatitis B and hepatitis C. Your
midwife or GP will normally offer testing for hepatitis C if you have
been at risk. If you are injecting drugs we recommend getting
immunised (vaccinated) for hepatitis B as well.