PRE-GESTATIONAL CONDITIONS-SUBSTANCE ABUSE

SAS#3: CARE OF THE HIGH-RISK PREGNANT CLIENT

Substance Abuse

inability to meet major role obligations, increase in legal problems or risk-taking behavior, or exposure to hazardous situations due to an addicting substance.

Substance dependent

if she has withdrawal symptoms after discontinuation of the substance

Cocaine

most frequently abused drug during pregnancy

Cocaine

causes extreme vasoconstriction severely compromising fetal circulation leading to premature separation of the placenta resulting to preterm labor or fetal death.

Amphetamines and methamphetamines

Powerful central nervous system (CNS) stimulants that speed up messages between the brain and body and has effects similar to cocaine

jitteriness,

poor feeding,

growth restriction

Newborn symptoms for cocaine use

Marijuana or hashish

when smoked causes tachycardia & a sense of well-being. Used to counteract nausea in early pregnancy

tremulousness

irritability

muscle rigidity

learning defects (later on in life)

intracranial hemorrhage

Detected by urinalysis

Fetal withdrawal symptoms of COCAINE

loss of short-term memory

reduced milk production

Incidence or respiratory infection

excretion of drug in breast milk

Effects of Marijuana or hashish

Phencyclidine (PCP)

Animal tranquilizer frequently used as a street drug. Increases cardiac output & gives a sense of euphoria

-causes hallucinations (flashback episodes)

-tends to leave the maternal circulation & concentrate in fetal cells

Narcotic Agonists

used for pain (morphine or meperidine), cough suppression (codeine); is a potent analgesic and provides euphoric effect.

HEROIN

main opiate used recreationally & is used ID (skin-popping), by snorting or IV (shooting). Produces immediate but short-lived euphoria followed by sedation

Nausea and Vomiting

Diarrhea

abdominal pain

Hypertension

Restlessness

Shivering

Insomnia

body aches

muscle jerks

Withdrawal symptoms of Narcotic Agonists

Small for Gestational Age

increased incidence of fetal distress

meconium aspiration

Fetal effects by Narcotic Agonists abuse

Used as a substitute drug in the treatment of morphine and heroin addiction.

Methadone

Inhalants

Airplane glue, cooking sprays, computer keyboard cleaner. Refer to sniffing or huffing of aerosol drugs. May lead to severe cardiac and respiratory irregularities and may limit fetal O2 supply.

Alcohol

Causes cognitive challenges and memory deficits

Fetal alcohol Syndrome

Is a condition in a child that results from alcohol exposure during the mother's pregnancy. This causes brain damage and growth problems to the fetus.