About 10 Percent Of Pregnant Women Are Drug Abusers

BARSTOW Barstow Community Hospital staff are trained to detect drug abuse among pregnant women, which is important since between 10 and 12 percent of mothers admitted have a drug addiction, with the most prevalent drug being methamphetamine, according to Obstetrics Nurse Lauren Stapp.

"It's a significant concern because when we find mothers who have a drug dependency it has a major impact on the pregnancy," OB Director Susan Wooley said. "For instance, cocaine addiction causes premature delivery and it can affect the baby's development."

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