Perinatal substance exposure, including opioid, alcohol, tobacco, marijuana and polysubstance use during pregnancy, can impact the health and well-being of pregnant women, infants, children and families. Explore the resources below to support clinical practice, coordinated care and family-centered approaches that promote healthy development.
A Family-Centered Approach
Exposure to substances during pregnancy is associated with adverse maternal and infant outcomes, including preterm birth, low-birthweight, and potential impacts on children’s neurodevelopment, behavior, and long-term health. Families affected by substance use often experience complex medical, social and behavioral health needs that extend beyond delivery and may influence the caregiving environment, the parent–infant relationship and access to early supports that promote healthy development.
Universal, non-stigmatizing screening; trauma-informed and culturally responsive approaches; and strong coordination among pediatric, obstetric, behavioral health and community partners are essential to ensuring access to care and support for families impacted by perinatal substance exposure.
A dyadic, family-centered approach that supports both the parent or caregiver and the infant can play an important role in improving outcomes. By promoting early engagement, strengthening protective factors, and connecting families to treatment and supportive services, clinicians can help foster healthy development and long-term well-being.
Professional Tools & Resources
AAP Policies and Reports
Resources to support clinicians implementing perinatal substance exposure practices in their clinic or practice.
- Families Affected by Parental Substance Use
- Neonatal Opioid Withdrawal Syndrome
- Preventing Childhood Toxic Stress: Partnering With Families and Communities to Promote Relational Health
- Trauma-Informed Care in Child Health Systems
- Community Pediatrics: Navigating the Intersection of Medicine, Public Health, and Social Determinants of Children’s Health
- The Pediatrician’s Role in Preventing Child Maltreatment: Clinical Report
- Providing Medical Care for Parents During the Pediatric Visit: Policy Statement
Partner Websites & Organizations
Perinatal Substance Use Disorder (SUD) Practices & Policies
Explore AMCHP’s growing collection of innovative, collaborative approaches that improve outcomes for families impacted by perinatal SUD.
National Center on Substance Abuse and Child Welfare
National resource center providing information, expert consultation, workforce development resources, and technical expertise to child welfare, dependency court and substance use treatment professionals.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Access educational resources from the CDC around substance use during pregnancy and learn about state based initiatives to improve the quality of care for mothers and babies.
Plans of Safe Care (POSC)
Explore resources, research, and state approaches to Plans of Safe Care (POSC) that support infants and families affected by prenatal substance exposure.
ZERO TO THREE: Safe Babies
Learn how states and communities are working together to strengthen families, promote child and family well-being and prevent separation of babies and toddlers from their homes.
Forest for the Trees
View this impactful video from the Tennessee health department on the stigma of substance use during pregnancy.
Mother to Baby Fact Sheets
Access quick, easy-to-understand information on 275+ exposures and how they may impact pregnancy or breastfeeding.
Resources for Families
Last Updated
07/29/2026
Source
American Academy of Pediatrics