Many women dream of the day when they can become mothers. Many look forward to the wonderful miracle of creating and growing another life to love and cherish for the rest of their lives. However, there are some women who become pregnant while still in the throes of addiction. Pregnancy and addiction are very serious issues when coupled together. Every substance a mother consumes while pregnant can be passed through the placenta and to the fetus. Women especially those expecting to be mothers know the detrimental toll drugs and alcohol can take on a fetus and of course do not wish their unborn baby any harm or discomfort, but it can be difficult and even life-threatening for the mother and child to withdrawal while pregnant. While this is true, it is also life-threatening for the child for the mother to keep using the substance which they are addicted to. The National Institute on Drug Abuse states that addiction during pregnancy can increase chances of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders, Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome, Premature Labor and Birth, Miscarriage and Stillbirth, Placental Abruption, and other birth defects.
Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders, Pregnancy and Addiction
Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders is the most commonly known. It occurs when the mother consumes alcohol and it passes through the umbilical cord to the baby. It can cause physical, behavioral, and learning problems for the child. Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome occurs when the mother is addicted to opioids. The fetus becomes dependent on the drugs just as the mother and after delivery when they stop getting the drugs they begin going through withdrawal themselves. Withdrawal & detox from opioids is difficult for adults who are stronger and larger, for a baby it can be too much exertion on their small and frail bodies. Premature Birth is consider anytime before 37 weeks of pregnancy, which is about three weeks before the due date. Premature babies often have underdeveloped organs and difficulty eating, drinking, and even breathing. Premature babies often require intensive medical support for weeks and even months and may require surgeries just to stay alive. Even with advanced medicine, many premature babies do not survive, and every week spent in the womb increases their chances of survival. Miscarriages are when the fetus dies anytime before the 24th week of pregnancy. Stillbirth is when the child is delivered after 24 weeks without any signs of life. Placental Abruption is when the placenta separates from the uterine wall, which can lead to developmental problems for the child. Sudden Infant Death Syndrome or SIDS is commonly found in child whose mothers abused substances during the pregnancy. These are infant deaths that occur within the first year with no explainable cause of the death. Microcephaly, or small head circumference, indicates that the infant’s brain is underdeveloped or developed incorrectly. Babies can be born with a low birth weight, weighing less than five pounds and eight ounces. Some babies in this range are fine but others suffer from heart problems, breathing problems, vision problems, intestinal problems, or bleeding in the brain. It can also lead to a multitude of problems in the future. Pregnancy and addiction to alcohol, drugs or other substances can damage the baby’s central nervous system which can lead to future poor academic performance and behavioral problems. Each drug and alcohol have certain effects on the fetus and child.
If so, Recovery Ways can help. We specialize in assisting mothers to be with exceptional dual-diagnosis addiction treatment care.
Alcohol, Pregnancy and Addiction
Drinking alcohol during pregnancy can lead to birth defects including problems with the bones, kidneys, heart, and hearing. They can also suffer from Fetal Alcohol Syndrome, Alcohol Related Neurodevelopmental Disorder (ARND), and even death. Using marijuana can lead to low birth weight, premature birth, stillbirth, developmental and behavioral problems, and withdrawal symptoms. Using cocaine while pregnant can lead to low birth weight, placental abruption, small head circumference, premature birth, behavioral and developmental problems, and even miscarriage. Pregnancy and addiction to alcohol can cause serious affects to the child. Using opioids including prescription medications and heroin can lead to placental abruption, low birth weight, premature births, stillbirths, SIDS, and NAS. Using crystal meth and other amphetamines can lead to placental abruption, low birth weight, small head circumference, premature births, miscarriages, heart defects, brain abnormalities, and behavioral problems. Using inhalants can lead to low birth weights, skeletal abnormalities, delayed brain development, and weight gain. These are just some of the effects that can happen to the fetus and does not mention the damage which can happen to the mother.
It is important for those women dealing both with pregnancy and addiction to seek treatment for their addiction as soon as possible. The sooner it is addressed the better. It is also important to know that any addicted pregnant women should not try to withdrawal on their own. It is critical to the mother’s and child’s health to have a medical team to advise and keep watch over both during the withdrawal process. They can assess the situation and develop a treatment plan based on the addiction, stage of pregnancy, any co-occurring disorders, and any other factors. They will be able to make sure that the baby is safe and offer a safe environment for recovery for the mother. Mothers are given the care and treatment they need and the baby can be cared for also by a medical team as needed. The sooner the addiction is addressed the better chances the child will have throughout the pregnancy and throughout their life.
Getting Help with Pregnancy and Addiction
If you are suffering with addiction and pregnancy you may require specialized treatment. Recovery Ways, the premier drug rehab in Salt Lake City, specializes is assisting women who are both addicted and pregnant. If you are ready to seek treatment please contact our admissions coordinators today. Contact us here or call 1-888-986-7848.
