To prevent poor pregnancy outcomes, including conditions like Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders, we must do more to provide treatment to pregnant women with problematic substance use. There is clear evidence that heavy and frequent use of alcohol or other drugs and associated lifestyle factors contribute to significant harm during pregnancy.

Health care professionals can make a substantial difference to the health of women and their babies by identifying and supporting women who use alcohol or other drugs during pregnancy. This Guide is intended for a range of primary health  care professionals including GPs, midwives, nurses, practice nurses, Aboriginal health care workers and sexual health workers. It is applicable to a wide range of health care settings. In any health care setting where pregnant women are seen, they should be asked, without judgement, about their alcohol, tobacco and other drug use and provided with access to appropriate treatment and support.

Evidence shows that well-coordinated and comprehensive support with early access to antenatal care and specialist alcohol or drug treatment can reduce harm and improve outcomes for pregnant women who have problematic alcohol and drug use, and their babies. 

Women can also benefit from preconception counselling to address problematic substance use prior to pregnancy. All women with problematic alcohol or drug use should be provided with advice about contraception.

The clinical information in this Guide is largely drawn from NSW Clinical Guidelines for the Management of Substance Use during Pregnancy, Birth and the Postnatal Period, which is the latest clinical guidance for management of drug and alcohol use in pregnancy in Australia. Health professionals should also consult relevant State legislation, policy and clinical guidelines. This Guide also draws on a range of evidence from Australian and international studies about the best strategies to reduce the harms to women and children from alcohol and drug use in pregnancy.

See also, 3 short videos on the NDARC website page

• Supporting pregnant women who use alcohol or other drugs: Barriers to care
• Supporting pregnant women who use alcohol or other drugs: Care and treatment
• Supporting pregnant women who use alcohol or other drugs: Specific drugs