Areca catechu (BETEL NUT) USE AND ADVERSE OBSTETRIC OUTCOMES

Areca (Areca catechu Linn.) nut is the fourth most widely used psychoactive drug in the world, and it has been associated with serious health problems. Chewing areca nut, commonly termed as betel nut, is popular in Asia and the South Pacific, but it has been associated with several health issues, such as oral cancer. All over the world, it has been used as a masticatory drug, most commonly in South-East Asia, the south pacific, and the tropical and sub-tropical regions. Areca nut active substance arecoline is widely and commonly used addictive drug globally, after caffeine, nicotine, and alcohol. Areca nut used in pregnancy has been associated with several birth defects and infants mortality. A systematic review of studies is carried out to investigate prenatal betel nut use and adverse perinatal outcomes. The review suggested that consumption of Areca nut hurts fetus and maternal health. There was a significant association between low birthweight and betel nut exposure in pregnancy. It is recommended that all pregnant women receive enough information and counseling on the potential negative health effects of betel nut products during their prenatal, antenatal, and postnatal periods.