RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 Pregnant heroin addict: what about the baby?
JF BMJ Case Reports
FD BMJ Publishing Group Ltd
SP bcr0920092246
DO 10.1136/bcr.09.2009.2246
VO 2010
A1 Vasudevan Namboodiri
A1 Sanju George
A1 Sylvie Boulay
A1 Mandy Fair
YR 2010
UL http://casereports.bmj.com/content/2010/bcr.09.2009.2246.abstract
AB Heroin misuse in pregnancy is a significant health and social problem, and it can have an adverse effect on the mother and the baby. Although heroin and methadone have no specific teratogenic potential, 48–94% of children exposed in utero will have neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS). The primary aim of this case report is to raise awareness of NAS among clinicians and to remind them that although very common, it is not inevitable. The risk of NAS can be further minimised by offering comprehensive and co-ordinated antenatal care that addresses the various biopsychosocial needs of the pregnant woman. Further, a brief description of NAS and a review of evidence in the field of management of opioid misuse in pregnancy, as relevant to this case, are provided. We have also included the patient’s own reflections on her pregnancy and treatment.