Public health campaigns in recent decades regarding the risks of prenatal substance use appear to have been successful, as substance use in pregnancy has dropped. However, serious and potentially widespread risks remain. Given the high rates of unplanned pregnancies, many women consume substances before discovering that they are pregnant. In addition, many women may underestimate the risks of prenatal substance use for their fetuses.

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) survey findings indicate that over 80% of women who meet criteria for substance use disorders do not desire treatment or believe that treatment is necessary, implying that additional public education about substance use disorders may be necessary. Therefore, educating young women about the risks of prenatal substance use, particularly early in pregnancy, is vital. This information can be disseminated broadly, such as via public health campaigns, or person-to-person, such as by health care providers.

Indeed, ACOG suggests that health care professionals provide women with psychoeducation and referrals to substance abuse treatments.