A Pregnant Pause: Advise Patients to Stop Substance Use during Pregnancies-A Pregnant Pause: Advise Patients to Stop Substance Use during Pregnancies

A Pregnant Pause: Advise Patients to Stop Substance Use during Pregnancies

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September is Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) Awareness Month, which aims to raise awareness about the dangers of alcohol consumption during pregnancy and promote prevention efforts. Alcohol use during pregnancy is the leading preventable cause of congenital and developmental disabilities. FASD encompasses a range of conditions that can occur in a person who was exposed to alcohol before birth. The most common condition is fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS), which is characterized by three dysmorphic facial features. FASDs can cause lifelong problems, including developmental delays, learning difficulties, and behavioral issues.<br /><br />Prevention is the most effective way to address FASDs, and it involves educating individuals about the risks of drinking alcohol during pregnancy and encouraging them to abstain from alcohol. Healthcare providers should include messages about alcohol use during preconception counseling, as roughly 45% of pregnancies are unintended. Behavioral and communication interventions can help children with FASDs manage their symptoms and improve social interactions. Support and resources should also be provided to families and individuals affected by FASDs, including access to early intervention and treatment services.<br /><br />Alcohol affects women differently than men, and women with alcohol use disorders are at greater risk of developing medical issues. Women who are pregnant or planning to become pregnant should be educated about the risks of alcohol and encouraged to seek support from family and friends if they need help to quit drinking. Healthcare providers play a crucial role in reducing the stigma associated with substance use and should provide support and resources to individuals struggling with addiction.<br /><br />Screening, brief intervention, and referral to treatment (SBIRT) is a comprehensive public health approach used to identify and address substance use disorders (SUDs) in healthcare settings. Pregnant people should be screened for substance use, including alcohol and cannabis, and provided with support and treatment if needed. Polysubstance use during pregnancy, especially alcohol and cannabis use, is common and can have serious health implications for both the pregnant person and the developing fetus. Healthcare providers should educate pregnant individuals about the potential risks of cannabis use and encourage them to avoid using cannabis during pregnancy.<br /><br />Overall, addressing alcohol use during pregnancy and providing support to individuals and families affected by FASDs are critical components of public health efforts to promote the health and well-being of pregnant individuals and their children.

Keywords

Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders

FASD Awareness Month

alcohol consumption during pregnancy

congenital and developmental disabilities

fetal alcohol syndrome

developmental delays

learning difficulties

behavioral issues

prevention of FASDs

alcohol use during preconception