A report from the home office concerning women drug users shows that Over ninety percent of women drug users presenting to services are of childbearing age (Clarke and Formby 2000). Drug use is associated with direct and indirect complications throughout pregnancy, postnatal morbidity and developmental delays (Hunter and Powis 1996). Heavy use of certain drugs during pregnancy (eg alcohol, tobacco, tranquillisers, heroin and other opiates) can lead to premature birth, low birth weight and increased risk of losing the baby around the time of birth.
Some women problem drug users will have childcare responsibilities. These women may find it difficult to balance such responsibilities with their drug use, and this may lead to childcare, parenting and child protection problems (Dunlap et al 1997).
As most drugs used in childbirth are morphine based, it is important for those pregnant women that are no longer drug users to have access to the necessary tools which will enable them to give birth through natural means with no drug intervention and with out the worry that they may become re-addicted. Through the use of complimentary childbirth techniques this is possible……. See complimentary childbirth clinic.
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