Inhalants use during pregnancy, UTC for healthcare professionals
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Research on this matter is scarce yet, mainly because generally the population that consumes these drugs does not have access to or does not attend regular health services (Hans, 1999 ; NICE, 2010). The in utero exposure to these substances produces a syndrome similar to FAS (microcephaly, craniofacial alterations, growth retardation, learning deficit, language, and locomotor coordination). Although it has not been possible to clarify whether it is due only to inhalants use or combined consumption with alcohol, research with animal models demonstrates that exposure to solvents during pregnancy produces growth restriction, locomotor delay and a higher rate of malformations (Jones, 1998).
References
Hans, S. L. (1999). Demographic and psychosocial characteristics of substance-abusing pregnant women. Clin Perinatol, 26 (1), 55 – 74.
Jones, H. & Balster, R. (1998). Inhalant abuse in pregnancy. Obstetrics and Gynecology Clinics of North America, 25, 153 – 167.
NICE. (2010). Pregnancy and complex social factors: a model for service provision for pregnant women with complex social factors (CG110), Clinical guideline. London: National Institute for Health and Care Excellence.
Related topics
Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS): https://www.issup.net/node/8723
Substance use during pregnancy: https://www.issup.net/node/8722
Cannabis use during pregnancy: https://www.issup.net/node/8729