Search research articles

ABOUT JoVE

Overview Leadership Blog JoVE Help Center

AUTHORS

Publishing Process Editorial Board Scope & Policies Peer Review FAQ Submit

LIBRARIANS

Testimonials Subscriptions Access Resources Library Advisory Board FAQ

RESEARCH

JoVE Journal Methods Collections JoVE Encyclopedia of Experiments Archive

EDUCATION

JoVE Core JoVE Business JoVE Science Education JoVE Lab Manual Faculty Resource Center Faculty Site

Terms & Conditions of Use

Related Concept Videos

Substance Use Disorders Affecting Sleep

Substance Use Disorders Affecting Sleep

Substance use disorders involve a pattern of using drugs more extensively than intended and continuing use despite harmful consequences. This includes legal substances like alcohol and nicotine, as well as illegal drugs. These disorders often involve both physical and psychological dependence, reflecting compulsive use of substances that significantly alter thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, contributing to a major public health issue.
Understanding the concepts of physical dependence,...

Drug Abuse and Addiction: Pharmacological Phenomena

Drug Abuse and Addiction: Pharmacological Phenomena

Drug dependence, abuse, and addiction are complex phenomena that can precipitate various abnormal states. Physical dependence refers to a state of pharmacological adaptation to a drug. This adaptation often results in tolerance—a reduced response to the drug after repeated administrations. When the drug use is abruptly stopped, withdrawal symptoms occur due to the body's need to readjust from the pharmacologically induced imbalance. However, tolerance and withdrawal symptoms do not necessarily...

Drug Dependence

Drug Dependence

Medications are typically administered to achieve therapeutic effects. Some drugs can modify an individual's mood and perception, frequently resulting in various enjoyable experiences. However, this can result in drug dependency, a condition marked by continuous drug use despite potential negative consequences. Drug dependency primarily falls into two categories: psychological and physical dependence. Psychological dependence occurs when the pleasurable feelings induced by the drug...

Stress and Mental Health

Stress and Mental Health

Chronic stress profoundly affects mental health, significantly influencing mood, behavior, and overall quality of life. Research closely links chronic stress with mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, and substance use disorders. Ongoing exposure to stress can lead to physiological and psychological changes, initiating a cycle of emotional distress and maladaptive coping mechanisms.
Individuals with depression often experience challenges in both their personal and professional...

Teratogenicity

Teratogenicity

The ability of a drug to produce structural deformations and functional abnormalities in the developing embryo or the fetus is called teratogenicity, and the drug producing this effect is known as a teratogen. Teratogenic effects include stillbirth, miscarriage, intrauterine growth restriction, and neurocognitive delay. A teratogen may affect the embryo at different stages of development, which is important in determining the type and extent of the damage. During blastocyst formation, the early...

Stress Prevention and Stress Management Techniques IV

Stress Prevention and Stress Management Techniques IV

Stress often leads to unhealthy habits like smoking, excessive drinking, and overeating, which offer short-term relief but ultimately increase long-term health risks. These behaviors create a cycle that temporarily lowers stress levels but can result in severe long-term health consequences. Breaking these habits is essential to reduce the risk of chronic diseases and improve overall well-being. Three primary changes that support better health include quitting smoking, reducing alcohol intake,...

You might also read

Related Articles

Articles linked to this work by shared authors, journal, and citation graph.

Sort by

Same author

Executive Summary and Call to Action: Maternal Mortality Summit at National Medical Association Meeting, July 28, 2019 in Honolulu, Hawaii Obstetrics and Gynecology Section of the National Medical Association.

Journal of the National Medical Association·2020

Same author

US term stillbirth rates and the 39-week rule: a cause for concern?

American journal of obstetrics and gynecology·2016

Same author

Treatment of preterm labor in multiple gestations.

Clinical obstetrics and gynecology·2004

Same author

A guest editorial: where are we now in screening patients for preterm delivery?

Obstetrical & gynecological survey·2002

Search research articles

Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 15, 2026

Assessment and Evaluation of the High Risk Neonate: The NICU Network Neurobehavioral Scale

Assessment and Evaluation of the High Risk Neonate: The NICU Network Neurobehavioral Scale

Published on: August 25, 2014

Substance abuse and pregnancy: "we have a problem".

Washington Clark Hill¹

¹Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Sarasota Memorial Hospital, Sarasota, FL, USA. washington-hill@smh.com

Clinical Obstetrics and Gynecology

|January 15, 2013

Summary

This case study addresses the complex care of a pregnant patient at 31 weeks gestation experiencing preterm labor amidst polysubstance use and hepatitis C. It outlines immediate management strategies and explores options for maternal and neonatal care, focusing on harm reduction and patient support.

More Related Videos

Preclinical Model of Prenatal Delta-9-Tetrahydrocannabinol Exposure to Assess Its Impact on Neurodevelopmental Outcomes

Preclinical Model of Prenatal Delta-9-Tetrahydrocannabinol Exposure to Assess Its Impact on Neurodevelopmental Outcomes

Published on: February 28, 2025

Construction of Vapor Chambers Used to Expose Mice to Alcohol During the Equivalent of all Three Trimesters of Human Development

Construction of Vapor Chambers Used to Expose Mice to Alcohol During the Equivalent of all Three Trimesters of Human Development

Published on: July 13, 2014

Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: May 15, 2026

Assessment and Evaluation of the High Risk Neonate: The NICU Network Neurobehavioral Scale

Assessment and Evaluation of the High Risk Neonate: The NICU Network Neurobehavioral Scale

Published on: August 25, 2014

Preclinical Model of Prenatal Delta-9-Tetrahydrocannabinol Exposure to Assess Its Impact on Neurodevelopmental Outcomes

Preclinical Model of Prenatal Delta-9-Tetrahydrocannabinol Exposure to Assess Its Impact on Neurodevelopmental Outcomes

Published on: February 28, 2025

Construction of Vapor Chambers Used to Expose Mice to Alcohol During the Equivalent of all Three Trimesters of Human Development

Construction of Vapor Chambers Used to Expose Mice to Alcohol During the Equivalent of all Three Trimesters of Human Development

Published on: July 13, 2014

Area of Science:

Obstetrics and Gynecology
Maternal-Fetal Medicine
Neonatal Care

Background:

A 31-week pregnant patient presents with preterm labor, a history of no prenatal care, and polysubstance use (cocaine, methadone, marijuana).
The patient expresses a desire for substance use treatment to benefit her fetus and requests confidentiality regarding her drug use from the father.
Co-existing conditions include positive hepatitis C status and potential fetal well-being concerns due to decreased fetal movement.

Discussion:

Immediate management involves stabilizing preterm labor, addressing acute substance withdrawal, and comprehensive maternal assessment.
Ethical considerations include patient autonomy, confidentiality, mandatory reporting laws, and the potential for child protective services involvement.
Multidisciplinary care is essential, involving obstetrics, neonatology, addiction specialists, social work, and mental health professionals.

Key Insights:

Polysubstance use in pregnancy complicates preterm labor management and necessitates a harm reduction approach.
Balancing patient confidentiality with the need to ensure fetal and neonatal safety is a critical challenge.
Early and ongoing substance use disorder treatment and support services are vital for improving maternal and infant outcomes.

Outlook:

Developing integrated care models for pregnant individuals with substance use disorders is crucial.
Further research on long-term outcomes for neonates exposed to polysubstance use in utero is warranted.
Enhancing prenatal care access and reducing stigma associated with substance use can improve engagement and outcomes.