Influence of Substance Use During Pregnancy on Maternal and Fetal Health

Abstract

The increase in substance use, whether legal or illegal, represents a growing global public health problem, affecting various social groups, including pregnant women. The main objective of this research is to describe the use of drugs during pregnancy and to analyze the harmful effects that these substances can cause both in the mother and in the fetus. To carry out this study, a qualitative research methodology of exploratory documentary type was used. Relevant data was collected and selected by reviewing documents, books, and journals published from 2015 to the present. This exhaustive bibliographical review provided us with the necessary support to develop this research work. The findings showed that the consumption of illicit drugs during pregnancy entails a high-risk situation both for the health of the mother and for the development of the fetus. In addition, it was possible to establish that the onset and duration of the neonatal abstinence syndrome vary depending on the type of drug consumed, the amount ingested, and the time of consumption in relation to the date of delivery. In the conclusions of the study, it has been shown that the use of drugs, both legal and illegal, is more frequent in pregnant women. There are many complications that can arise because of drug use during pregnancy, affecting both the mother and the fetus.