Did you recently find out you're pregnant? If you have an
untreated alcohol or drug use disorder, take a look at what you need to know
about substance abuse, pregnancy, and getting help.
How Can Substance Use and Abuse Impact Your Baby?
Your baby gets more than just food and oxygen from you. What
pregnant mothers put into their bodies passes (in most cases) through their
blood and into the baby. While not every substance crosses the placenta or
affects the fetus, alcohol and most recreational and prescription drugs do.
This means your baby uses the substances you use.
The known effects of alcohol and drugs on unborn babies
include:
- Neonatal
abstinence syndrome. Also known as NAS, neonatal abstinence syndrome
happens when a newborn baby goes through withdrawal. This happens
immediately after birth and is related to maternal opioid use. New research
shows alcohol, barbiturates, and benzodiazepines may also have similar
effects.
- Stillbirth.
According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, stimulant, marijuana,
and prescription pain reliever use during pregnancy can result in a 2.2
times greater stillbirth risk.
- Fetal
alcohol spectrum disorders. FASD is a general term for Fetal Alcohol
Syndrome (FAS) and other similar alcohol-related disorders and birth
defects. FASD can result in lifelong effects for the child, including
emotional issues, poor motor coordination, poor social skills, and trouble
with schoolwork.
Along with these common issues, other disorders, delays, and
health-related issues can result from substance abuse during pregnancy. Talk to
your doctor or a licensed counselor about how your specific substance abuse
issue could impact your pregnancy.
What Can You Do About Substance Abuse During Pregnancy?
Now that you know more about the risks of substance use and
abuse during pregnancy, take the next step and get help. You don't have to go
through this major change alone. Pregnancy is a challenging time - and so is
addiction recovery. Add the two together and it's natural to struggle with the
emotional, health, and other aspects of the two.
If you have a substance abuse problem or suspect you do:
- Get
professional help. Trained counselors and therapists are experts in
this area. Find a substance abuse counselor who understands the challenges
pregnant women may face and can help you to handle the situation in a way
that works for your individual needs.
- Talk
to your doctor. A doctor or OB-GYN can help you to understand and
overcome the physical aspects of recovery. Withdrawal and other medical
issues require extra professional help - especially during pregnancy.
- Find
a caring community. While professional help is crucial right now,
therapists and doctors aren't the only people you can lean on. Find a
caring community to support you during your pregnancy and through your
recovery. This may include a support group or group therapy.
Your recovery journey won't end at your baby's birth.
Recovery is a life-long process. This means you may need to continue therapy,
group counseling sessions, or utilize another program after you become a mom.
Where Can You Find Addiction Help During Pregnancy?
You're pregnant and have a substance abuse disorder. You now
know you need help. But you aren't sure where to go. Do you search the Internet
for therapists, ask a friend, or find a professional in another way? To connect
with the help you need right now:
- Use
a helpline. Helplines exist to connect people in need with the right
type of help. The U.S. Substance Abuse and Mental health Services
Administration (SAMHSA) has a national helpline for anyone in need.
- Ask
your doctor. Do you already have a general doctor or OB? Ask the
physician for a referral.
- Treatment
centers. Contact treatment centers in your area directly. These
include publicly and privately funded programs.
If you have a few different treatment centers/addiction
counseling options to choose from, explain your needs and discuss how pregnancy
will impact the program's results.
Do you need addiction help? Contact Oak Arbor
for more information.
