Perinatal Substance Use - MGH Center for Women's Mental Health

Methadone and Breastfeeding

Up until 2001, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommended that methadone was compatible with breastfeeding in women taking less than 20 mg per day. Because most women on methadone maintenance therapy typically require 50 to 15o mg of methadone per day during pregnancy, this meant that most women on methadone were not able to breastfeed. However, the dose restriction for methadone was eliminated in 2001, a decision driven by several studies indicating that the levels of methadone secreted into human breast milk were relatively low.

By MGH Center for Women's Mental Health|2017-05-05T18:31:03-04:00March 21st, 2011|Breastfeeding & Medications, Opioids, Perinatal Substance Use|Comments Off

ACOG Focuses on Smoking Cessation in Pregnant and Postpartum Women

In the November issue of Obstetrics & Gynecology, The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) has issued recommendations to providers regarding efforts to support smoking cessation in pregnant and postpartum women.

By MGH Center for Women's Mental Health|2017-05-05T11:50:17-04:00November 10th, 2010|Nicotine, Perinatal Substance Use, Postpartum Psychiatric Disorders, Prevention, Psychiatric Disorders During Pregnancy|Comments Off

Intrauterine Cannabis Exposure Affects Fetal Growth

Although the risks of smoking tobacco while pregnant are well documented and well publicized to the general population, women continue to smoke cigarettes during pregnancy. Smoking cigarettes is known to increase a woman's risk of having a low-birth weight baby and increases the risk of preterm delivery. While clinicians often ask about and discourage tobacco use during pregnancy, much less attention has been devoted to the use of marijuana during pregnancy, despite the fact that marijuana is the most commonly consumed illicit drug among pregnant women.

By MGH Center for Women's Mental Health|2015-08-12T15:33:51-04:00January 21st, 2010|Cannabis, Outcomes, Perinatal Substance Use, Pregnancy Outcomes|Comments Off

Postpartum Depressive Symptoms Increase the Risk of Smoking Relapse

While many women who smoke successfully quit smoking during pregnancy, most of these women return to smoking within 12 months of delivery. Several studies have suggested that certain factors may increase the risk of postpartum relapse, including unwanted pregnancy, multiparity, and stressful life events. Two recent studies indicate that postpartum depressive symptoms may also increase the risk of smoking relapse after delivery.

By MGH Center for Women's Mental Health|2016-03-28T13:23:58-04:00May 19th, 2009|Nicotine, Perinatal Substance Use, Postpartum Depression, Postpartum Psychiatric Disorders, Prevalence & Risk Factors|Comments Off

Substance Abuse Treatment During Pregnancy Improves Outcomes

Despite efforts over the last decade to increase awareness regarding the negative effects of alcohol and other drug use during pregnancy, substance abuse among pregnant women continues to be a significant problem in the United States. The 2003 National Household Survey on Drug Use and Health indicated that 9.3% of pregnant women used alcohol and 4.3% percent of pregnant women used illicit drugs. In other countries, the prevalence of substance use and abuse may be even higher. For example, in a recent survey of pregnant women in Ireland, 54% admitted to drinking alcohol during pregnancy.

By MGH Center for Women's Mental Health|2015-08-12T12:03:46-04:00November 17th, 2008|Outcomes, Perinatal Substance Use, Treatment|Comments Off

Smoking While Breastfeeding: What Are the Risks?

Approximately 25% of American women of reproductive age smoke tobacco, and many continue to smoke during and after pregnancy despite the known potential harm to their own health and to their child’s health. These health threats remain after the child’s birth as the baby is exposed to nicotine and other toxins in both ambient air and breast milk.

By MGH Center for Women's Mental Health|2015-07-28T11:21:17-04:00January 22nd, 2008|Breastfeeding & Medications, Nicotine, Perinatal Substance Use|Comments Off