The management of pregnancy in opiate addicts

Abstract

Data are presented for 12 opiate-dependent females at two London drug clinics. All subjects were addicted to opiates when they became pregnant. Obstetric and gynaecological information, as well as information relating to drug-taking habits, drug problems, etc was collected. Results confirm previous findings of poor outcome. One pregnancy ended in stillbirth and another with the neonate dying after two hours. Seven babies were received into a special care unit, with three requiring medical treatment. Nine out of the 10 surviving babies were placed on the ‘At Risk’ register. Other results suggest the need for better channels of communication between different treatment facilities involved with pregnant addicts. The subjects' poor attendance at antenatal facilities also points to the need to look at ways of improving this aspect of care.