To support the knowledge related to neonatal abstinence syndrome and care of the family experiencing addiction, it is obligatory to analyze three articles to summarize the key findings. The selected studies, which are “Criminalization of pregnant women with substance use disorders,” “Breastfeeding recommendations for women who receive medication-assisted treatment for opioid use disorders,” and “Substance use disorder,” include sufficient information on the topic. The researchers state that substance use among pregnant women leads to serious health consequences for both females and newborns.
Concerning the impact of substance use and nursing care of women during pregnancy, intrapartum and postpartum, females are vulnerable during the pregnancy period in terms of health conditions. Drug misuse during pregnancy is linked to a variety of negative effects for the mother, including spontaneous abortion, poor weight growth, premature births, and stillbirth. (Association of Women’s Health, Obstetric and Neonatal Nurses, 2015). Nurses are in a unique situation to assess women for alcohol and drug use and, if necessary, refer them to addiction treatment and advanced preventive care (Association of Women’s Health, Obstetric and Neonatal Nurses, 2015). Thus, substance use among pregnant women causes specialized nursing care and treatment.
Considering the clinical presentation of neonatal abstinence syndrome, it can be described as a serious complication that occurs during a woman’s pregnancy. Neonatal abstinence syndrome is a collection of withdrawal effects observed among newborns who have been exposed to chemicals before birth, mainly opioids (Cleveland, 2016). Neonatal abstinence syndrome is a manageable illness that can be controlled with non-pharmacologic and pharmaceutical therapies (Cleveland, 2016). Hence, the clinical presentation depicts the issue as a treatable sickness.
It is possible to identify several tools used in the assessment of substance-exposed newborns. Rooming in is advocated whenever feasible since it aids in mother-infant bonding and allows physicians to analyze the maternal-infant pair and instruct the mother (Mahoney et al., 2019). It is advised that professionals employ a proven screening tool for identifying drug abuse, such as the 4P screening method (Mahoney et al., 2019). Therefore, the rooming-in technique and 4P’s screening approach are used to evaluate the level of substance abuse.
To determine interdisciplinary resources available to assist the woman, newborn, and family, it is feasible to indicate the parties involved in treatment. Multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary techniques are utilized to diagnose and manage drug use disorders (Mahoney et al., 2019). The obstetrician, addiction expert, midwife, prenatal care specialist, mental health therapist, and social worker are among the participants of the integrated family care team (Mahoney et al., 2019). Consequently, various professionals and organization can help women and their relatives during pregnancy.
Recognizing the important role of empathy, it can be stated that this characteristic ensures the establishment of a trustful relationship between medical specialists and patients. Objective, empathetic nurses are uniquely qualified to advocate for and act on behalf of women with drug use disorders, leading to better results for the mother and her child (Mahoney et al., 2019). As a result, the presence of empathy can generate optimism and improve the treatment outcome.
In conclusion, pregnant women who use substances require specific nursing care and therapy. Neonatal abstinence syndrome can be a significant issue that arises during a woman’s pregnancy based on its clinical manifestations. The rooming-in technique and the 4P’s screening strategy are employed to assess the extent of substance usage. During pregnancy, various specialists and organizations may assist women and their families. Empathy can improve mood and help individuals obtain better results from their treatment.
References
Association of Women’s Health, Obstetric and Neonatal Nurses. (2015). Criminalization of pregnant women with substance use disorders. Journal of Obstetric, Gynecologic, & Neonatal Nursing, 44(1), 155-157. Web.
Cleveland, L. M. (2016). Breastfeeding recommendations for women who receive medication-assisted treatment for opioid use disorders: AWHONN practice brief number 4. Nursing for Women’s Health, 20(4), 432-434. Web.
Mahoney, K., Reich, W., & Urbanek, S. (2019). Substance use disorder: Prenatal, intrapartum and postpartum care. MCN: The American Journal of Maternal/Child Nursing, 44(5), 284-288. Web.