Maternal Alcohol Abuse

Maternal Alcohol Abuse

What are the biophysical concerns related to the fetus? The mother?

Alcohol use in pregnancy is dangerous and is associated with various in-utero complications such as intrauterine growth restriction, spontaneous abortions, and even fetal death. The commonest fetal condition associated with maternal alcohol abuse is fetal alcohol syndrome, characterized by prenatal and postnatal underdevelopment, short stature, delayed milestones, microcephaly, facial dysmorphism, and impaired fine motor function (Popova et al., 2023). Furthermore, the fetus may end up having an intellectual disability and behavioral issues. According to Khan, Sharif & Qayyum (2021), fetuses exposed to alcohol are at a high risk of developing attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. In adulthood, those exposed to alcohol in utero may develop somatoform, personality, and substance use disorders. These conditions are collectively known as fetal alcohol spectrum disorder. On the other hand, the mother may be faced with several challenges, including spontaneous abortion, stillbirth, and nutritional deficiency. For this reason, no amount of alcohol is considered safe for use in pregnancy; therefore, mothers should avoid the use of alcohol when pregnant.

What psychological challenges could be present for the mother?

Alcohol use in pregnancy may have psychological impacts on the mother. According to Kimmel (2020), alcohol use, especially during early motherhood, may lead to the development of psychological disorders such as depression and anxiety. Besides, the mother may have difficulties coping with challenges associated with pregnancy. If alcohol is not stopped, the mother’s relationship with the baby will be disconnected due to poor parental skills.

Is there a social stigma?

Certainly, there is stigmatization associated with maternal alcohol abuse. The stigma often arises from society, which considers maternal alcohol use immorality rather than a health problem (Shogren, 2021). The mothers with maternal alcohol abuse, therefore, feel embarrassed to even seek mental health services and support.

What are your biases/opinions/beliefs regarding this topic?

I also view maternal alcohol abuse as immoral, given the societal notions regarding pregnancy. I believe that once a woman is pregnant, they should not take alcohol as its effects on the fetus are known. However, I acknowledge the mental aspect of maternal alcoholism and would encourage a woman who is battling with alcoholism to seek mental health services and assistance in order to address the problem before it impacts the fetus.

Are the mother’s rights compromised in any way? If so, how?

As stated previously, maternal stigmatization may prevent the mother from seeking mental health services which is their right. According to Shogren (2021), women, especially those living in rural areas, have struggles accessing addiction treatment services. These women face extreme stigmatization and prosecution, affecting them legally, emotionally, and financially. Besides, it is also noted that negative perceptions from healthcare workers regarding alcohol use in pregnancy may affect the quality of healthcare service they are getting.

What resources are available in your area for the mother? For the fetus and/or newborn? For the family?

Several rehabilitation centers help in treatment and support for maternal alcohol abuse in Stockton, California. For the mother, there is a center known as MedMark, whose focus is on women struggling with addiction. For family therapy, there is a centre known as New Directions that offers family therapy for free or at a low cost that is affordable. This is mainly focused on helping families facing addiction. Dignity Health is among the centers dealing with the treatment and prevention of fetal alcohol syndrome. The center also offers support for mothers with alcohol abuse disorder.

Are these resources adequate? Why or why not?

From a personal view, the resources for dealing with maternal alcohol abuse are not adequate in Stockton, California. The available resources are mainly private and may not be cost-effective for everyone. Furthermore, there should be social support resources in at least each facility offering prenatal care, and the support service should be affordable to encourage the mother to seek the services.

References

Khan, B., Sharif, A., & Qayyum, Z. (2021). Neuropsychiatric Effects of In-Utero Substance Exposure. Psychiatric Annals, 51(7), 331-337. https://doi.org/10.3928/00485713-20210610-01

Kimmel, M. (2020). Maternal mental health matters. North Carolina Medical Journal, 81(1), 45-50.

Popova, S., Charness, M. E., Burd, L., Crawford, A., Hoyme, H. E., Mukherjee, R. A., … & Elliott, E. J. (2023). Fetal alcohol spectrum disorders. Nature Reviews Disease Primers, 9(1), 11. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41572-023-00420-x

Shogren, M. (2021). Don’t Quit the Quit: Decreasing Stigma to Empower Women in Recovery. https://commons.und.edu/nlp-conference/2021/sessions/2/

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Choose one of the following environmental effects on prenatal development and answer the following general questions regarding the topic you have chosen. Conduct outside research as necessary to answer them.

*Maternal age
*Multiple gestations
*Maternal nutrition
*Maternal illness
*Maternal drug use
*Maternal alcohol abuse
*Maternal smoking
*Maternal stress
*Maternal depression and anxiety

Questions
1. What are the biophysical concerns related to the fetus? The mother?
2. What psychological challenges could be present for the mother?
3. Is there a social stigma?
4. What are your biases/opinions/beliefs regarding this topic?
5. Are the mother’s rights compromised in any way? If so, how?
6. What resources are available in your area for the mother? For the fetus and/or newborn? For the family?
7. Are these resources adequate? Why or why not?