Screening for alcohol and drug use during pregnancy

Obstet Gynecol Clin North Am. 2014 Jun;41(2):205-12. doi: 10.1016/j.ogc.2014.02.002. Epub 2014 Apr 14.

Abstract

The use of alcohol and other substances is not infrequent during pregnancy and may be associated with adverse effects on pregnancy outcome. Many pregnant women may continue these practices throughout pregnancy and even after delivery, unless they are recognized and assessed. Screening may be one way to achieve consistent and early identification. Prenatal health care providers may wish to screen all pregnant patients for their use of alcohol and other drugs using an approach that works best in their setting. A positive screen is an opportunity for the clinician and patient to discuss health practices and behaviors.

Keywords: Biomarkers; Questionnaires; Sensitivity; Specificity.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Biomarkers / metabolism
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Mass Screening*
  • Pregnancy
  • Pregnancy Complications
  • Pregnant Women* / psychology
  • Prenatal Care / methods*
  • Risk Factors
  • Sensitivity and Specificity
  • Substance Abuse Detection* / methods
  • Substance-Related Disorders / diagnosis*
  • Substance-Related Disorders / prevention & control
  • Substance-Related Disorders / psychology
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • Truth Disclosure
  • United States / epidemiology

Substances

  • Biomarkers