Pregnant women who have problems with alcohol or drugs

Information for the public

If you have a problem with alcohol or drugs, you should be given the name and phone number of a midwife or doctor who has special experience in the care of pregnant women with alcohol or drug problems. You should be put in touch with an alcohol or drug treatment programme.

Your midwife or doctor should also tell you about other organisations that can help you, such as alcohol or drug support services.

Your midwife or doctor should discuss your alcohol or drug use with you and try to answer any questions you have. They should explain the extra care your baby might need, where your baby will be cared for and whether a social worker will be involved.They should also talk to you about the possible effects of your alcohol or drug use on your baby, and about any difficult feelings you may have about this.

Your doctor or midwife should offer to send you reminders about your appointments in different ways, for example by text message.They should also offer you information about getting help with transport to your antenatal appointments if you need it.

Questions to ask your midwife or doctor

What effects could my alcohol or drug use have on my baby?
Will I get reminders about my appointments?
Can I get any help with transport to my appointments?
Will my baby be taken into care?