Caring for substance abuse pregnant women: The role of the midwife

Drug addiction during pregnancy and postpartum period is undoubtedly connected to maternal and fetal morbidity. Accordingly, there is a great need of proper approach, support and health care provision of addicted women during this special phase of their lives. Aim: The aim of this review was to explore evidence based practices for caring for substance abuse pregnant women by midwife. Methods: A thorough literature research was performed in different nursing and medical databases such as Medline, Embase, Cinahl and Cochran Library, using relevant with this review keywords. Results: Motherhood concerns health professionals of various specialities, who require special training and studies regarding drug addiction and its consequences for the mother-to-be as well as the fetus. A sufficient supporting network aiming to addicted women‘s care and treatment throughout pregnancy and postpartum period can be created only with the state‘s contribution. Conclusion: The creation of sufficiently organized health care centers, which are made especially for addicted pregnant women‘s support and are staffed with interdisciplinary teams, is more than necessary.

Author(s): Electra Economidoy, Amalia Klimi, Victoria G. Vivilaki

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