Pregnancy can be a time of joy and hope but, for birthing parents struggling with a substance use disorder (SUD), it can be challenging. Social stigma, shame, and the potential legal ramifications present barriers to individuals seeking the care they need. Marginalized groups, in particular, face challenges that put them at even greater risk for substance misuse. Substance use during pregnancy can further impair the individual's level of functioning, and it has also been associated with problems in the social, emotional, and cognitive development of their children. Pregnancy and addiction each require guidance and good medical care. By integrating substance misuse treatment services under the umbrella of their medical care, clinics facilitate timely access to care, as well as help break the stigma associated with substance misuse. Our program offers a comprehensive and multidisciplinary approach to support pregnant individuals with SUDs. Interventions include support, education, case management, and mental health counseling. By providing optimal prenatal care early on, individuals can receive the treatment that they need so that they can achieve physical and emotional stability once the baby arrives, which ultimately has better outcomes for the parent and child's health and wellbeing.
Keyphrases
- mental health
- healthcare
- quality improvement
- mental illness
- palliative care
- pregnant women
- primary care
- preterm birth
- young adults
- affordable care act
- physical activity
- systematic review
- public health
- depressive symptoms
- pregnancy outcomes
- adipose tissue
- social media
- risk assessment
- human health
- climate change
- metabolic syndrome
- electronic health record
- skeletal muscle
- drug induced