The Risks of Prenatal Alcohol and Drug Use for the Fetus: Descriptive Literature Review
McDonald, James; Kuula, Johanna; Pölkki, Katri (2021)
McDonald, James
Kuula, Johanna
Pölkki, Katri
2021
All rights reserved. This publication is copyrighted. You may download, display and print it for Your own personal use. Commercial use is prohibited.
Julkaisun pysyvä osoite on
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-2021060814975
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-2021060814975
Tiivistelmä
The aim of this thesis was to study the harmful effects of prenatal drug and alcohol use for the exposed fetus. The purpose was to conduct a literature review, and with it raise awareness of the risks of prenatal substance use. Based on our results, a written guide for English speaking clients of maternity clinics was made. Descriptive literature review was the research method chosen. In order to answer our two research questions, a total of 15 articles were chosen and analyzed using inductive content analysis.
The results indicate that prenatal substance use poses various risks for the development and growth of the fetus. Extensive study of prenatal alcohol exposure offers well documented evidence, largely involving fetal alcohol spectrum disorder alongside other developmental and birth related issues. The comparatively newer field of prenatal illicit drug exposure focuses on developmental problems and birth related complications, mentioning irregular formation of the organs, complications with birth, withdrawal symptoms, and the fact that most substances can cross the placental barrier. In this thesis, we focused on studying the effects of the most common illicit drugs: cannabis, cocaine, amphetamine-type stimulants, and opioids.
According to our results, the effects of prenatal alcohol use have been researched more than the risks of prenatal drug use and more study in this area is essential. Alcohol consumption research often considers safe levels of consumption and fails to reach a consensus. However, implied in the consumption of illicit drugs is the fact that abstinence would be recommended. In both cases though, pregnant mothers need to be afforded the opportunity of access to information and professional care.
The results indicate that prenatal substance use poses various risks for the development and growth of the fetus. Extensive study of prenatal alcohol exposure offers well documented evidence, largely involving fetal alcohol spectrum disorder alongside other developmental and birth related issues. The comparatively newer field of prenatal illicit drug exposure focuses on developmental problems and birth related complications, mentioning irregular formation of the organs, complications with birth, withdrawal symptoms, and the fact that most substances can cross the placental barrier. In this thesis, we focused on studying the effects of the most common illicit drugs: cannabis, cocaine, amphetamine-type stimulants, and opioids.
According to our results, the effects of prenatal alcohol use have been researched more than the risks of prenatal drug use and more study in this area is essential. Alcohol consumption research often considers safe levels of consumption and fails to reach a consensus. However, implied in the consumption of illicit drugs is the fact that abstinence would be recommended. In both cases though, pregnant mothers need to be afforded the opportunity of access to information and professional care.