Doctors \'not discussing\' pregnancy risks associated with drugs and alcohol Information

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Doctors 'not discussing' pregnancy risks associated with drugs and alcohol

Doctor's are prioritising discussion about smoking over the issues of drug and alcohol abuse while speaking to pregnant women, according to a new US study.

Researchers from the Magee-Womens Research Institute, affiliated with the University of Pittsburgh, found that physicians appear to be far more comfortable talking about how to stop smoking than they are discussing alcohol or illegal drug use during a patient's pregnancy.

Dr Judy C. Chang led the analysis of audiotapes of 51 prenatal visits to 29 physicians, midwives and nurse practitioners.

It was found that despite asking patients about their use of all substances, when it came to further discussion practitioners were much more likely to discuss the adverse effects of smoking as oppose to risks from illegal drugs or alcohol.

Dr Chang explained: "Provider responses to alcohol or drug disclosures included only general statements regarding effects on pregnancy, such as 'We find this is bad for babies.'"

The UK's National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence this week issued guidelines stating that expectant mothers should avoid alcohol completely, as should those trying to conceive.

Article published on 31/03/2020 by PCUG Addiction Treatment