Addiction Treatment in Pregnant Women

Addiction is a difficult and dangerous path. Even more so for women who find themselves addicted to substances and pregnant at the same time. Drugs can easily pass through the mother’s thin placental membrane and umbilical cord directly to the fetus. They are also present in breastmilk. Thus, both mother and child are at risk of being harmed. Thankfully, recovery centers are available to offer treatment to pregnant women.

Biological Effects

Being an addict while pregnant can wreak havoc on both the body and mind. Not only is pregnancy often a difficult emotional and financial journey, substance use can significantly alter the physical health of both the woman and her fetus. Pregnant and addicted women are more vulnerable to violence, crime, abuse, mental illness and disease. It can also be detrimental to developing infants. Serious complications can include miscarriage and stillbirth; risk here typically doubles or triples in rate. Placenta abruption and premature labor/birth may also occur, which can lead to developmental problems. Likewise, different substances may have different effects on the womb. Cannabis addiction can affect fetal growth, resulting in lower birth weights and lengths. Alcohol addiction can bring on fetal alcohol spectrum disorders that cause birth defects and brain damage. Additionally, neonatal abstinence syndrome may occur in those with opioid addictions, resulting in an addicted child who must undergo withdrawal. Although every fetus is affected differently, it is best to avoid taking any drugs or medications while pregnant without first consulting with your doctor.

You’re Not Alone

Addiction can happen to anyone, and isn’t limited to race, age, religion, or gender. It was reported in the 2017 National Survey on Drug Use and Health that substance use within the past month of survey reached 8.5% for illicit drugs, 11.5% for alcohol, and 14.7% for tobacco products. It also reported an approximate 161,000 women used marijuana during their pregnancy and 69,000 used marijuana daily or almost daily. These statistics are alarming, considering they indicate an increasing rate of pregnant substance use across the board, but especially for daily or almost daily marijuana use. From 1999 to 2014, the number of women with an opioid use disorder at labor quadrupled. In fact, over 50% of women have taken some form of drug while pregnant. As substance use during pregnancy increases, recovery centers are called upon for safer, forward-thinking treatment options.

Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT)

Pregnant addicts need help, too. Counseling, 12-step programs, and support groups can offer much in the battle against addiction. Even more successful has been the development of Medication Assisted Treatment, a combative combination of behavioral therapy and FDAapproved medication. Suboxone maintenance and MAT with Subutex can help fight cravings, lessen withdrawal symptoms, and reduce risk of relapse. Medication treatment with Suboxone can be easier to obtain and has shown better results for newborns. It’s also important to remember that giving birth while addicted is more dangerous than recovering while pregnant. Drug cessation without proper medical help can be hazardous, but confidential recovery centers and their medical teams are ready to help.