Substance Use Disorders

Substance abuse during pregnancy has a direct negative effect on fetal growth, development and poor health status. Tobacco is the most commonly abused drug during pregnancy and may have the largest effect on fetal growth restriction when compared to maternal use of alcohol, marijuana, and/or cocaine. (Janisse, et al, 2014) Alcohol use during pregnancy is considered the leading cause of preventable intellectual disability, and also contributes to lowbirthweight and delayed motor development. Dietitians can help clients by providing referrals for treatment programs and nutrition counseling to improve health behaviors.

Substance abuse during pregnancy is identified when 1) the client reports it, or 2) it is documented in the client’s medical record (and the client gives permission to obtain her medical record). The following is a list of widely used substances which have a negative impact on the fetal growth and development:

• Alcohol (beer, wine, liquor)
• Tobacco (cigarettes, snuff, chewing tobacco)
• Illicit drugs (e.g., marijuana, cocaine, crack, heroin)
• Prescription and non-prescription drugs for medical or non-medical use (e.g., amphetamines, barbiturates, narcotics, tranquilizers, diet pills, cold medications, methadone, codeine, morphine or other opioids)
• Positive urine drug screen

Read more: MSS Policy and Procedure Manual - Risk Factors and Minimal Interventions - Tobacco Use and Secondhand Smoke Cessation/Reduction

Read more: MSS Policy and Procedure Manual - Risk Factors and Minimal Interventions - Alcohol and Substance Use Prior to and During Pregnancy