No Alcohol,but Wine is Permitted: A Survey of Obstetric Units in Scotland

Abstract

Many health-care professionals have expressed increasing concern over the growing use of licit and illicit substances. Considerable interest has also been shown in the effects of substance use on the developing fetus.

In view of both the media and academic coverage of this subject, the possible dangers to health of both mother and child should (presumably) be common knowledge. It would seem reasonable, therefore, to assume that screening women in the early ante-natal period for their use of tobacco, alcohol and other drugs would be routine practice.

This survey attempted to obtain an overview of the approach of ante-natal clinics to substance use and, if possible, identify any areas of need which might exist. The responses obtained indicate that the approach taken by midwives and obstetricians was not uniform. A number of factors were identified as influencing service provision.