Substance and Alcohol Use in the Perinatal Period

Dear Colleagues,

Substance and alcohol use during the perinatal period—including pregnancy and the first year postpartum—represents a critical yet under-researched area of public health. Despite increasing awareness of the risks associated with alcohol and other substance use during pregnancy, prevalence remains high in many countries, with alcohol continuing to be commonly used among women of childbearing age. Prenatal exposure to alcohol and other substances can have wide-ranging and lifelong consequences for offspring, including neurodevelopmental difficulties, behavioural problems, and adverse physical health outcomes. For mothers, use of alcohol and substances during this period is often associated with stigma, guilt, and reduced engagement with healthcare and support services.

This Special Issue seeks to advance understanding of substance and alcohol use across the perinatal continuum, recognising the social, psychological, and structural factors that influence use and treatment. We invite empirical, theoretical, and policy-focused contributions exploring prevalence, risk and protective factors, intervention development, health inequalities, stigma, and service delivery. Multidisciplinary perspectives are encouraged, including research from psychology, public health, sociology, midwifery, and policy studies. Submissions employing diverse methodologies—quantitative, qualitative, mixed-methods, longitudinal, and participatory approaches—are welcome. Studies examining underrepresented populations, including ethnic minority groups, migrants, and women experiencing multiple disadvantages, are particularly encouraged.

By drawing together global perspectives, this Special Issue aims to inform evidence-based policies and practices that reduce substance-related harms for women and their children, promote equitable access to care, and support maternal wellbeing.

Dr. Sam Burton
Guest Editor

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