In recent years, binge drinking and alcohol use disorder (AUD) rates during pregnancy have increased significantly in the United States, eclipsing even opioids. Evidence-based treatments for AUD include medications and counseling. Still, these are underused, including during pregnancy when both the health of the parent and the development of the fetus are at risk from alcohol consumption. This reflects, in part, the absence of clinical treatment guidelines, insufficient data on the safety of AUD medicines for the fetus, and stigma around substance use during pregnancy.
This article was originally published on MedicalXpress.com
