Maternal drug use during pregnancy and infancy - The importance of a multidisciplinary approach

Abstract

Introduction: Drug use in pregnancy and infancy is a serious problem. In particular, the use of marijuana by the mother is not harmless. It may be associated with a withdrawal syndrome in the newborn and may affect the development of older children. This article describes a multidisciplinary approach to maternal drug use, providing advice to the family physician in dealing with affected children and increasing interest in the effects of drug addiction on the mother-child relationship. Description:We present the case of a pregnant woman affected by marijuana use and the human immune deficiency virus (HIV). The pregnancy was unplanned, but desired and monitored. The child presented with a delay in psychomotor development of 3 to 6 months. The case was managed by a family physician together with a pediatrician and a social worker. Comment: A multidisciplinary approach is recommended in these cases through timely referral. Provision of support for the mother is always appropriate and should be given early. Promotion of a functional family environment along with the surveillance of the child protection services, educational interventions during pregnancy and in the first months of life of the child are of value in aiding child development. This type of care is possible by the family doctor.