Pregnancy is a time when women are naturally motivated to adopt healthier lifestyles, including healthy eating and exercise. Some women have a problem with substance abuse during pregnancy. These cases can make it difficult to quit. Even though many women know the negative effects of substance abuse during pregnancy, addiction is a real disease.
Substance addiction, previously known as a substance abuse disorder, alters how the brain works. It can affect our ability to control impulses, think about long-term consequences, as well as feel pleasure. Also, withdrawal symptoms can occur throughout the body, including increased anxiety, irritability, depression, and irritability.
We discuss the risks of using drugs during pregnancy and what consequences this can have for a mother and her baby. We offer some tips to help pregnant women with an addiction seek treatment.
What Are The Potential Dangers Of Substance Abuse During Pregnancy?
Many negative effects can result from pregnancy using substances. Because the umbilical line transmits any substance consumed to the baby. According to the Substance Abuse, and Mental Health Administration, drug abuse during pregnancy can cause serious problems for the baby’s neurological development and fetal growth.
There Are Also Other General Issues Associated With Substance Abuse During Pregnancy.
- Poor functioning placenta, which depletes the oxygen and nutrients that are provided to the fetus
- Placenta dysfunction can lead to miscarriage and stillbirth.
- Low birth weight (less than 5 pounds, 8 ounces)
- Premature or premature birth, often occurring more than three months before delivery is expected
- Birth defects (e.g., underdeveloped or deformed parts of the body and organs) can include birth defects. Heart or lungs
- HIV and Hepatitis C infections, if drugs were intravenously administered during pregnancy
Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome is when a baby becomes dependent on drugs after being exposed to them in the womb. This can lead to:
- Breathing difficulties
- Low birth weight, preterm birth
- Hypoglycemia
- Bleeding to the brain
There are also the potential consequences of substance abuse during pregnancy. A woman with an addiction could not receive prenatal care. Some women who are addicted to drugs may not want to go to the doctor for fear of being accused or reported to authorities. Current statistics show that substance abuse in pregnancy is considered child abuse by 23 states. This adds to the stigma many women face.
How To Get Help For Pregnant Women Who Are Addicted To Drugs?
Many pregnant women fear getting help for their drug abuse problems due to stigma. They don’t realize that addiction is a serious condition, but they are worried about the consequences if they seek treatment. Will they be capable of raising their child? Will they be capable of beating addiction? Will they be able to become a good mom? These are questions we get asked all the time from young mothers who want to be mothers.
You or a loved one is suffering from drug addiction while pregnant. Substance addiction is treatable. Your loved ones can make healthy lifestyle changes. She can be a wonderful mother and overcome her addiction to drugs. Here are some ways to find the right detox alcohol center and get over substance abuse during pregnancy.
Find a women’s-specific treatment center. A pregnant woman may face special challenges with addiction. Staff is trained to address these issues in women’s facilities. It can be comforting for women to be surrounded by other women.
Get individualized treatment. A woman’s drug treatment program must offer individualized care plans, which are tailored to her needs. They should consider her history, background, and needs to develop a treatment plan that is entirely tailored for her.
You should choose a dual diagnosis treatment center. The likelihood that a woman is suffering from a substance use disorder and a mental illness is high. It is estimated that up to 80 percent of young women are affected by substance use, along with a coexisting mental illness like depression, anxiety, posttraumatic stress disorder, or eating disorders.
A rehab facility should offer a safe and secure space for healing. In early recovery from addiction, many things could trigger a relapse, such as toxic or difficult relationships or stressful living situations. Pregnant women who are in recovery must receive a safe and secure space to heal so they can focus on their healing and the healing of their baby. Women who are enrolled in residential treatment programs can be sure that they are safe from all external dangers.
San Diego Detox can provide professional assistance if you or your loved ones are pregnant.