Experiences and care strategies for pregnant women who use crack

Abstract

The consumption of Psychoactive Substances during pregnancy increases the risk of maternal-fetal complications and long-term harmful effects in children exposed to these substances. Although the use of crack and cocaine during pregnancy is a growing phenomenon, there are few studies that present possibilities for specific care for this population. There are also no specific recommendations from the Ministry of Health (MS) regarding the assistance offered to these women, however, some initiatives have been implemented. The objective was to report and theoretically reflect on the professional experience in Psychology in the health care of pregnant women who use alcohol and other drugs in the Four Leaf Clover Strategy, a public health policy to reduce maternal and child mortality in Sobral-CE, Brazil. For this, the operation, impasses and possibilities identified regarding this policy are presented and discussed. The topics described were chosen because they were the most present during the experience, respectively: presentation and discussion of how the strategy works; psychology in health care for pregnant women who use alcohol and other drugs. Professional experience has shown that psychology, as a professional category inserted in this context, has the potential to contribute to the construction of comprehensive health care when action is guided by the perspective of the subject's autonomy and co-responsibility for care.