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Substance Misuse in Pregnancy - NHS Lothian

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Amenorrhoea does not necessarily mean that the woman is unable to<br />

conceive (fall pregnant) as she may still be ovulat<strong>in</strong>g, so effective<br />

contraception to avoid unwanted pregnancies is still required. Irregular or<br />

absent periods means that some women may not realise they are pregnant<br />

until late <strong>in</strong> pregnancy when fetal movements are felt, or until other<br />

changes are noticed.<br />

Fertility may <strong>in</strong>crease around the time when a woman reduces or comes<br />

off drugs or when she starts treatment with substitute drugs, such as<br />

methadone. Offer<strong>in</strong>g contraceptive advice and pre-conceptual counsell<strong>in</strong>g<br />

therefore needs to go hand <strong>in</strong> hand with the beg<strong>in</strong>n<strong>in</strong>g of any drug<br />

treatment (Ford & Hepburn 1997).<br />

All professionals can encourage women to attend health care services that<br />

provide contraceptive and sexual health advice and care. GPs and family<br />

plann<strong>in</strong>g cl<strong>in</strong>ics will discuss contraceptive options and advise women about<br />

how to get emergency contraception if needed.<br />

Women with substance misuse problems may plan to conceive or may have<br />

an unplanned pregnancy. If pregnancy is planned then pre-conceptual care<br />

can be offered.<br />

Pre-conceptual advice<br />

Health, social and voluntary sector professionals all have a role to play <strong>in</strong><br />

provid<strong>in</strong>g pre-conceptual care to women with substance misuse problems<br />

(Ford & Hepburn 1997). General Practitioners are <strong>in</strong> an ideal position to<br />

provide pre-conceptual care to drug-us<strong>in</strong>g women who are attend<strong>in</strong>g their<br />

medical practice for a substitute prescription. If the woman is attend<strong>in</strong>g<br />

the Community Drug Problem Service (CDPS) or Harm Reduction Team<br />

(HRT) for her prescription then specialist drug workers have an excellent<br />

opportunity to provide pre-conceptual care. Other workers can address<br />

many of the social issues and encourage women to attend to any health<br />

checks that they may need.<br />

<strong>Substance</strong> <strong>Misuse</strong> <strong>in</strong> <strong>Pregnancy</strong><br />

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