Eureka! Institutional Repository

Pregnancy and maternity are an unprecedented journey for the mother and the fetus and it is important to result in the healthy delivery of the newborn without the presence of perinatal or postnatal complications. The use of addictive substances during pregnancy has been a source of concern for many scientists over the last few years, as they have seen a gradual increase in the use by pregnant mothers. The most commonly used substances are opioid analgesics, caffeine, alcohol, smoking, cocaine, marijuana and benzodiazepines. In the present study, an attempt is made to report and to indicate the effect of these substances on the health of the pregnant user and the fetus, as well as in the later life either by taking these substances from lactation or from his embryonic life. Particular emphasis is given to the ways of dealing and preventing substance abuse to the pregnant woman. The paper also includes the major role of the midwife and her abilities of managing, addressing and reducing such a huge phenomenon in our time.