Drug Rehab and Pregnancy: Helping You Prepare for the Future
Being pregnant is always a little scary, but when youâre addicted to drugs and alcohol and pregnant, it can feel overwhelming. You donât want to hurt the baby, but thereâs so much conflicting information out  there, it can be hard to know what to do.
With some states now passing laws that allow prosecution of mothers who used drugs during pregnancy, you donât even know if itâs safe to talk about your drug use without getting the law involved. With 10 to 11 percent of all births in the US being impacted by the use of drugs or alcohol, this is a problem that needs attention.
The Risks of Drug and Alcohol Use During Pregnancy
Rehab can improve birth outcomes for the mother and baby.
You know you shouldnât use drugs or alcohol when pregnant, and hereâs why.
- Miscarriage
- Premature delivery
- Low birth weight
- Cleft lip
- Neurological and congenital problems
- Increased risk of SIDs
- Developmental delays
- Issues with mental health
- Increased risk of abuse and neglect
- Risk of children being born with Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS)
If youâre addicted to drugs or alcohol and ready to make the changes that will get and keep you sober, nowâs the time. Call 888-646-0635Who Answers? today to learn about your treatment options, get answers to your questions, and find the help you need to live the life you want.
Improve Outcomes
When youâre pregnant and addicted, you may feel like thereâs nothing you can do to get better, but there is. Comprehensive drug and alcohol addiction treatment along with proper prenatal care significantly improve birth outcomes for both mother and child.
Whatâs Holding Pregnant Women Back
It can seem like a no brainer when it comes to being pregnant and going to drug rehab. Just do it. But itâs not always that simple, and many women experience a range of barriers to getting the addiction treatment that they need. Here are just a few.
- Not enough programs for pregnant women or women with children
- Stigma of using drugs while pregnant
- Finding child care for older children
- Fear of prosecution
- Higher chance of co-occuring disorders
- Lack of stable housing
- History of trauma and violence
- Lack of sober support
Treatment Options
When it comes to pregnant women, you sometimes must take a different approach to treatment options. Some drug rehabs do accept pregnant woman and others may even allow her to bring other children. Outpatient programs may be more appropriate, especially when she has younger children at home and lacks the appropriate support for inpatient programs.
And while most doctors and specialists agree that detoxing through a slow drug taper is safe for pregnant women during any trimester, it must be done under the supervision of a physician. Detoxing too quickly can kill a fetus in utero.
Thatâs why many addiction specialists recommend medically assisted treatment (MAT) for pregnant women. While there are minor risks involved, they are less dangerous than detox or the risk of relapse.
Get the Help You Need
If youâre pregnant and addicted to drugs or alcohol, call 888-646-0635Who Answers? for help. Our addiction specialists are waiting to take your call and help you find the drug treatment that can save your life.
How to Convince a Pregnant Woman to Seek Residential Treatment
