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Maternal and fetal effects from substance use

William F Rayburn1

  • 1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of New Mexico School of Medicine, MSC 10 5580, 1 University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM 87131-0001, USA. wrayburn@salud.unm.edu

Clinics in Perinatology
|December 8, 2007
PubMed

This article discusses a variety of issues related to pregnancies complicated by substance use. Drug use is most prevalent in the reproductive age population. Even though a reduction in substance use may occur during pregnancy, some women may not alter their drug use patterns until pregnancy is diagnosed. For these reasons, a large number of fetuses are exposed to illicit substances in utero. Care of substance-using pregnant women is complex, difficult, and often demanding. Providers must be aware of their unique psychologic and social needs, and the related legal and ethical ramifications surrounding pregnancy.

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