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