Book Review: Substance Misuse in Pregnancy: A Resource Book for Professionals

SUBSTANCE MISUSE IN PREGNANCY: A RESOURCE BOOK FOR
PROFESSIONALS
Drugscope
ISBN 1904319351, £9.99

STAR RATING: 5/5

With the growing incidence of court-based intervention in the lives
of the children of substance-misusing parents, this book should be
on the reference shelf of every children’s services team,
writes Elspeth Loades.

It provides a detailed guide to the effects of substance misuse on
pregnant women and their babies, and advice on how to work in a
non-judgemental way to offer appropriate, parent-friendly services
to benefit the mother, her partner and the baby.

It gives a comprehensive overview of legal and illegal substances
and the risks they pose to mother and child, but cautions against
moral panic. It reviews the evidence, but also describes its moral
and methodological limitations. What is known is that there are
many factors affecting pregnancy outcomes, so a holistic approach
is promoted. A streamlined service, with no duplication, and no
ambiguity, is the goal.

Much of the practice guidance is aimed at health workers, but the
framework for care is multi-disciplinary. The descriptions of
medical conditions and processes are highly readable and provide
important information for all professionals involved. Useful forms
and leaflets are also included for local adaptation.

Elspeth Loades is planning manager, Bristol Council