Dr. Aliana Abascal, a WVU psychiatrist and associate professor in the School of Medicine, cautions pregnant woman about using substances falsely perceived as harmless during pregnancy. (WVU Photo)
A West Virginia University psychiatrist says any legal and illegal substances used during pregnancy — including some falsely perceived as harmless, like marijuana — can hurt a developing fetus.
Despite the risks, Dr. Aliana Abascal, associate professor in the WVU School of Medicine Department of Behavioral Medicine and Psychiatry, said the prevalence of substance use among pregnant women remains high.
Ahead of International Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders Awareness Day on Sept. 9, Abascal is available to discuss potential risks to the fetus from substance exposure and resources for women trying to quit using substances while pregnant.
Quotes:
“Many substances can harm a fetus, including substances many falsely perceive to be harmless, like marijuana. Nicotine, not just in the form of cigarettes, but also vaping nicotine, can impact fetal development. So can alcohol, methamphetamines and heroin.
“According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, nearly 14% of women report alcohol use during pregnancy. Rates of illicit substance use are around 8% and the prevalence of tobacco use is around 7%. In West Virginia, concerningly, the rate of tobacco use is higher, around 25%. Recent data has also shown U.S. overdose deaths tripled for pregnant and recently pregnant women between 2018 and 2021.
“Substance use during pregnancy can lead to miscarriage or fetal death, birth defects, problems with fetal growth or early delivery, health concerns for the mother, immediate health concerns for the infant after birth and the risk of long-term neurobehavioral conditions like intellectual disability. Using illicit substances, alcohol and tobacco during pregnancy also increases the risk the child will experience withdrawal symptoms after birth.
“While there is significant overlap in some of the harmful effects of using substances during pregnancy, there are unique differences between the effect of each substance on fetal development. For example, substances like nicotine and cocaine increase the risk of miscarriage, and in the case of cocaine, fetal demise. Nicotine, alcohol, cocaine and opiates can impact the proper growth of the fetus. Use of alcohol during pregnancy can impact a fetus’s central nervous system, increasing the risk of fetal alcohol syndrome.
“Health care providers must intervene early to treat infants and children exposed to substances during pregnancy. Establishing care with a pediatrician is essential to evaluate and manage the various health impacts these children are at risk of experiencing. Children with cognitive impairment or behavioral health conditions will need care from mental health specialists. HELP4WV.com and HelpAndHopeWV.org can help people connect to the many resources available in the state of West Virginia for children affected by neonatal exposure to substances.
“Quitting substances can be a challenge for pregnant women, but treating their co-occurring mental health conditions can help. Around 50% of women seeking treatment for substance use disorders also meet criteria for post-traumatic stress disorder, and these women are at high risk of experiencing physical and sexual abuse.
“Treatment may include medications that target the substance use and sometimes contain components of the substance of concern. For example, nicotine replacement therapy can be used in pregnancy, and while this treatment may impact fetal development, the risks are less than those from smoking cigarettes. WVU Medicine programs available to pregnant women trying to quit substances include the Comprehensive Opioid Addiction Treatment program and the newly developing perinatal psychiatry clinic.” — Dr. Aliana Abascal, associate professor, Department of Behavioral Medicine and Psychiatry, WVU School of Medicine
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ls/9/3/25
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