PREGNANCY

Improving Pregnancy Outcomes for Substance Abusers

Abstract

In this study we try to explore the concept of “Improving Pregnancy Outcomes for Substance Abusers” in a holistic context. The main focus of the research is on “Improving Pregnancy Outcomes for Substance Abusers” and its relation with “Facilitate learning, Promoting physiological stability, Promoting family involvement”. The research also analyzes many aspects of “Improving Pregnancy Outcomes for Substance Abusers”. Finally the research describes various factors which are responsible for “Improving Pregnancy Outcomes for Substance Abusers” and tries to describe the overall effect of “Improving Pregnancy Outcomes for Substance Abusers” on “Facilitate learning, Promoting physiological stability, Promoting family involvement.”

Table of Contents

Introduction1

Discussion and Analysis1

Effects of Drug Use While Pregnancy2

Providing Treatment Opportunities3

Promoting Family involvement in Treatment3

Conclusion4

Improving Pregnancy Outcomes for Substance Abusers

Introduction

According to the World Health Organization, maternal health refers to the health of women during pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period. Some of the major causes of maternal morbidity and mortality include hemorrhage, infection, high blood pressure, obstructed labor, and depression. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recognize that a broader scope is necessary to ensure safe motherhood and have expanded their work to include the development and implementation of programs designed to prevent illness, death, and disability among women of reproductive age. Several risk factors and health disparities continue to place women at risk for maternal mortality and morbidity despite much advancement in technology and medicine (i.e., antibiotics, better obstetric procedures, and control of infections). Many of the complications associated with pregnancy can be avoided if women have better access to health care, receive higher quality care, and adopt a health-promoting lifestyle.

Discussion and Analysis

Women's drug use also has several unique costs to both the individual and to society, given their role in reproduction. The highest prevalence of use among women, regardless of substance, occurs during the childbearing years. In fact, alarming numbers of adult women and teens continue to use alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs during pregnancy. Substance abusers often have multiple addictions, and approximately half of all pregnant women who use illicit substances also smoke and drink. Since approximately half of all pregnancies are unintended, women may be using substances, especially cigarettes and alcohol, throughout the first trimester of pregnancy without knowing they are pregnant (National Institute, 2009).

Effects of Drug Use While Pregnancy

Drug abuse during pregnancy increases a woman's risk for a number of negative outcomes such as poor fetal growth, premature rupture of ...