Following are a range of links to information on the effects of alcohol, tobacco and other drugs on pregnant women.
Australia
Ministerial Council on Drug Strategy (MCDS)
National Clinical Guidelines for the Management of Drug Use during Pregnancy, Birth and the Early Development Years of the Newborn
The Background Papers to the National Clinical Guidelines for the Management of Drug Use in Pregnancy, Birth and the Early Development Years of the Newborn
These nationally agreed clinical guidelines are intended to support a range of health care workers who care for women with drug and alcohol use issues, and their infants and families.
Australian National Council on Drugs (ANCD) and the National Expert Advisory Committee on Alcohol (NEACA)
Fetal Alcohol Syndrome: National Workshop, 2002
The National Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) Workshop was convened at the request of the ANCD and the NEACA. The workshop aimed to bring together researchers in the drug and alcohol field,clinicians of all disciplines,service providers and individuals with a particular interest and/or expertise in FAS-related disorders.
Australian Drug Foundation (ADF)
Alcohol, Other Drugs and Pregnancy
Information about the use of alcohol, tobacco, and illicit drugs during pregnancy.
myDr
Information on Prenatal Drug Exposure
Information on the dangers of drinking, smoking and using drugs during pregnancy.
South Australia, Flinders University and Drug & Alcohol Services Council
Alcohol, Tobacco & Other Drugs Guidelines for Nurses and Midwives:
1. A Framework for Policy & Standards
2. Clinical Guidelines
3. Quick Clinical Reference
Outlines key responsibilities and strategies for organisational leaders, educators and clinicians. Aims to provide relevant information to assist nurses and midwives in recognising and responding to ATOD problems.
Turning Point
Guidelines for the Use of Buprenorphine in Pregnancy
Guidelines for clinicians and staff who manage pregnant women on buprenorphine maintenance programs for heroin dependence. January 2004. (200Mb pdf file)
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International
Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) and Alcohol Related Neurodevelopmental Disorder (ARND)
Fetal Alcohol Syndrome: A Literature Review
A review of the published scientific literature on Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS)and Alcohol Related Neurodevelopmental Disorder (ARND) aiming to give the reader an understanding of FAS and related issues.
Harm Reduction Journal
Substance Use During Pregnancy: Time for Policy to Catch Up with Research
In this comprehensive review, the authors analyze existing data and offer policy recommendations for handling substance abusing pregnant women and their children. April 2004
Health Canada
Best Practices: FAS/FAE and the Effects of Other Substance Use During Pregnancy
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)
Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Initiatives
Links to other sites with information on Fetal Alcohol Syndrome.
National Institute for Drug Abuse (NIDA)
Consequences of Prenatal Drug Exposure
Findings from NIDA funded research projects that investigate the consequences of prenatal drug exposure.
Maternal Smoking During Pregnancy Associated With Negative Toddler Behavior and Early Smoking Experimentation
This study suggests that prenatal smoking contributes to a train of developmental difficulties and health risks that begin at an early age.
Drug Abuse and Conduct Disorder Linked to Maternal Smoking During Pregnancy
A report on a study suggesting that children whose mothers smoke during pregnancy are at much greater risk than other children for drug abuse and conduct disorder
Significant Deficits in Mental Skills Observed in Toddlers Exposed to Cocaine Before Birth
A report on a study that found children exposed to cocaine before birth were twice as likely to have significant delays in mental skills compared to other toddlers with similar backgrounds and whose mothers had not used cocaine during pregnancy.
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