One of the most amazing things a woman will ever go through is being pregnant and becoming a mother. Sadly, tying an addiction into the mix is cause for devastation. Statistics for 2012 show that close to 6% of women use illicit drugs while pregnant. As a result, over 380,000 unborn children were exposed to illicit drugs in utero.
We are seeing an increasing amount of women miscarrying babies as a result of drug use. Moreover, we are seeing an alarming number of babies born with addictions themselves as a result of use during pregnancy.
When babies are exposed to drugs in utero, they run the risk of:
- Being born underweight
- Have difficulties eating and sleeping
- Be unable to move, hear, or see properly
- Develop slowly
Drug abuse while pregnant is not only harmful to the mother but it can harm or even kill the unborn child. Essentially, giving birth to a child that was exposed to drugs in utero can cause a baby to go through withdrawal soon after birth.
Children born to women that have used drugs within the past week are born with a condition known as neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS). This is more common when parents use opioids, like methadone, heroin, or oxycodone, during pregnancy. Babies often begin expressing symptoms of NAS within one to three days after birth but can take up to a week in certain cases. These symptoms may include:
- Excessive crying or sucking
- Hyperactive reflexes or shaking/trembling (tremors)
- Diarrhea, vomiting, and/or fever
- Irritability and problems sleeping
- Sweating and/or a runny nose
- Difficulties in gaining weight
- Poor feeding habits
- Rapid breathing
- Mottling skin colors
Children exposed to drugs while in utero are more likely to exert behavioral issues while growing up. Some common issues children in this situation have been:
- Problems following directions
- Difficulties in paying attention and learning
- Have delayed the social development
- Act out without understanding the effects of their behavior
- Develop drug problems of their own
If you or someone you know is suffering from an opioid addiction and is pregnant, it is important to go through a properly monitored detox to ensure you and your unborn child are safe. At Asana Recovery, we offer a fully-monitored detox program that is staffed by trained professionals to keep you safe and comfortable as you detox. While pregnant, it becomes even more crucial to stabilizing withdrawal syndromes to prevent further complications.
After detox, it is important to get help through an inpatient treatment facility. Inpatient treatment is available for up to 12-months and can help you stay off drugs and remain healthy throughout the pregnancy. During inpatient treatment, you can learn valuable skills that will help you even after your child is born to stay sober. Not only is long-term recovery extremely important for your health, but it is a crucial part of effectively raising your child. If you or a loved one is pregnant and has a substance abuse issue, please call (949)438-4504 to get help now.
