Improve Identification of Pregnant People at Risk

Relevant Research

Who is at Risk?

Women who were exposed to adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and are socioeconomically vulnerable have a greater risk of using illicit substances, tobacco, and alcohol. White pregnant people are more likely to use tobacco when compared to black and Hispanic populations. During pregnancy, Black people are more likely to use illicit substances when compared to Hispanics and white people. This data shows that prenatal substance use is present among multiple races and ethnicities. Therefore, medical providers and public health professionals should intervene by identifying all people at risk for developing or continuing substance use during pregnancy.

people with psychiatric comorbidities are at a higher risk of using multiple substances during pregnancy. A study on the results of the National Survey of Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) showed that people who experienced a major depressive episode within the last year were more likely to engage in alcohol and tobacco use during pregnancy when compared to pregnant people who abstained from substances. The study also found that environmental stressors and lack of consistent prenatal care were correlated with worsening maternal and fetal outcomes. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends engaging people in prevention efforts to improve mental health before becoming pregnant since mental health issues are a risk factor for developing a substance use disorder.

Parent Impact and Involvement in Prevention

Parents play a vital role in preventing teen girls from unplanned pregnancies. Because teens are more likely to not notice that they are pregnant and much more likely to engage in risky behaviors such as substance use and binge drinking, parents should aim to educate their teens early. Parents can begin to talk with their children about not only the risks of substance use, but the risks of becoming pregnant, and how to prevent unwanted pregnancy. SAMHSA reports that most pregnant teens used marijuana and drank alcohol more frequently than other substances before pregnancy. Experts believe that this trend exists because teens have a misconception that there are fewer risks involved when choosing to use these substances compared to other illicit drugs. It may be beneficial to increase prevention and intervention strategies for these particular substances among teens. Public health campaigns can begin to highlight the direct and indirect consequences of use, such as criminal justice involvement, unwanted pregnancy, addiction, and greater risk of exposure to sexually transmitted diseases.