Improving pregnancy outcomes: mothers and substance misuse

Abstract

The data for this retrospective quantitative audit was collected from 1999–2006 from a caseload of 324 pregnancies in Fife and was informed by a literature search undertaken while studying for a Post-Graduate Certificate in Addictions. The aim of the study was to determine whether enhanced midwifery support within a multi-disciplinary team affected pregnancy outcomes in drug and alcohol using women. Ethical approval was not required. Partnership working improved and women were offered intensive support from specialist midwives, addictions nurses and social services from pregnancy booking until at least 12 weeks postnatal. This article explores pregnancy outcomes for this client group in regard to substance misuse, gestation at delivery, BBV infection, criminality, employment, housing and criminal behaviour and breastfeeding rates, neonatal abstinence and birth weight in neonates in a geographical area of significant social deprivation.