Substance Misuse in Pregnancy - NHS Lothian

It is well established that many obstetric problems associated with
substance misuse are also associated with social deprivation, poor
antenatal care, poor maternal health and nutrition (Mounteney 1999). A
number of case controlled studies have found comparable outcomes in
women (who are matched by age, parity, social deprivation category etc)
who do not have substance misuse problems (Siney 1999). Social factors,
as well as the quality of health and social care provision, significantly
influence the health and well-being of both mother and baby.
Because of such complications, substance misuse in pregnancy has become
one of the leading conditions requiring specific guidelines and strategies.
The next section outlines the principle guidelines that form a ‘framework
for care’.
Substance Misuse in Pregnancy
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