USE OF PSYCHOACTIVE SUBSTANCES DURING PREGNANCY: IMPACTS ON MATERNAL MENTAL HEALTH, FETAL DEVELOPMENT, AND IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING CARE

Abstract

Objective: To describe the impacts of psychoactive substance use on women's mental health and fetal development, focusing on the role of nurses in caring for these patients. Methodology: This is an integrative literature review conducted using the PubMed/MEDLINE, SciELO, and LILACS databases. Results: The findings show that low treatment adherence among pregnant women who use psychoactive substances increases the complexity of nursing care. This situation contributes to adverse effects on fetal development, as continuous exposure to these substances compromises neonatal vitality and raises the risk of perinatal complications. Consequently, the study highlights the need to improve professional practice by implementing strategies for attentive listening and tailored care protocols to mitigate the impact of these vulnerabilities on the mother-child dyad. Conclusion: Psychoactive substance use during pregnancy directly affects the maternal-fetal dyad, underscoring the importance of nursing care in minimizing adverse outcomes.