Maternal Drinking Patterns and Drug Use Increase Impact of Terrorism Among Pregnant Women Attending Prenatal Care

This is the first known study of the psychosocial impact of terrorism among
pregnant women. Ninety-nine women attending prenatal care in New York City were interviewed after
September 11, 2001 and classified by drinking patterns. Current drinkers with a history of alcohol dependence
perceived less social support following the disaster compared to other women. History of illegal drug use prior to
maternal awareness of pregnancy was related to a weaker maternal-fetal bond. Greater exposure to trauma
predicted stronger subjective effects and more depressive symptoms. These data support findings in nonpregnant samples that exposure of terrorist attacks predicts the subjective experience. KEY WORDS: terrorism,
disaster, pregnant women, alcohol and drug use.