Dealing with Addiction During Pregnancy
Motherhood is the most beautiful part of a woman’s life and it all starts with pregnancy. But as beautiful as it seems, those nine months are quite challenging. Your body and mind go through so many physical and emotional changes that can leave you exhausted and weak.
To top it off, if you are suffering from any addiction, it is enough to break you mentally. The addiction not just affects you but your unborn child too.
Effects of substance abuse on mother and child
Miscarriage:
Studies show that women suffering from alcohol addiction are 50% more prone to miscarriage than normal women. The baby can be underweight too at the time of birth.
Neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS):
This is one of the most devastating effects of substance abuse. In NAS, the baby suffers from withdrawal symptoms after birth if the mother is addicted to opioids. It can also affect the baby’s nervous system.
Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS):
As the child grows, they suffer from developmental issues and behavioral issues. Substance abuse during pregnancy can also cause SIDS.
Various other complications can happen during pregnancy due to addiction that can endanger both the mother and child’s life and well-being.
Substance abuse leading to depression
All the emotional and physical stress of addiction and pregnancy can send the mother into depression as she won’t be able to handle this emotional turmoil day in and day out. This can lead to an increase in the use of drugs and alcohol. Sometimes, one can also see suicidal tendencies in such patients.
What stops women from seeking help?
The best way to get out of this situation is to ask for help. It can be from your friends and family for emotional support, but you will need the help of professionals to cure yourself of addiction and deliver a healthy baby.
But many women shy away from reaching out due to the following reasons.
Mandatory institutionalization:
No one wants to feel trapped in a place against their will. The fear of institutionalization stops many women from asking for help.
Legal constraints:
Various laws subject women to legal actions for drug use during pregnancy. Obstetricians need to report the issue, which may prevent women from speaking up.
Social stigma and fear:
The fear of people judging and blaming women and taking away their child also prevents most women from asking for help.
A comprehensive treatment plan
What a
pregnant woman suffering from addiction
needs is a comprehensive treatment plan that is designed specifically for her. The plan should be made taking into account her specific drug abuse problem, mental, and physical health. It is derived after conducting multiple tests to understand the addiction’s severity and its consequences on both mother and child. And not just physical care, mental well-being should also be given high priority.
Are you looking for specialized pregnancy treatment?
If you are suffering from addiction and looking for the best care for you and your baby, you have come to the right place.
We specialize in
treatment in Port Saint Lucie, Florida.
At Neuro Psychiatric Addiction Clinic, we offer the best health care for you and your child, and we will support you throughout the pregnancy. For any questions, reach us at our 24/7 Helpline: (844) 282-1306.
