When you’re pregnant and a mother-to-be, you’re not just eating for one – you’re eating for two – because everything that you ingest affects your fetus. If you smoke, drink alcohol, or use drugs while pregnant, dangerous chemicals can pass on to the fetus, impacting your unborn child in various ways. Unfortunately, as aware as they may be of the dangers of using drugs while pregnant, many women struggle with addiction before conceiving, and this prior history of drug use can make it difficult to quit. If you’re expecting and struggling with drug or alcohol abuse, our Massachusetts and Pennsylvania rehab for pregnant women can help.

What Happens If You Test Positive for Drugs During Pregnancy?

When a pregnant woman tests positive for drugs, it can have significant implications for both her and the unborn child. The response to a positive drug test can vary by jurisdiction and healthcare facility but may include the following consequences:

  • Medical assessment: When a pregnant woman tests positive for drugs, healthcare providers typically conduct a thorough assessment to determine the extent of drug use, the type of drugs involved, and any potential health risks to both the mother and the baby.
  • Counseling and education: Expectant mothers who test positive for drugs are usually offered counseling and education about the potential risks and harms associated with substance use during pregnancy, as well as information about the importance of prenatal care and the benefits of a drug-free pregnancy.
  • Referral to treatment: Healthcare providers may refer pregnant women who test positive for drugs to substance abuse treatment programs, which can provide specialized care and support for individuals struggling with addiction. The goal is to help the mother achieve and maintain sobriety during pregnancy.
  • Monitoring and support: Pregnant women who test positive for drugs may be closely monitored by healthcare providers to assess the health and development of the fetus. This may involve more frequent prenatal check-ups, ultrasounds, and other medical tests.
  • Child Protective Services (CPS) involvement: In some cases, if the drug use poses a significant risk to the child’s well-being, Child Protective Services (CPS) or a similar agency may become involved. They may conduct assessments and, if necessary, take steps to protect the child’s safety and well-being.
  • Legal implications: In some jurisdictions, there may be legal consequences for drug use during pregnancy, such as child endangerment charges. The severity of these consequences can vary by location and the circumstances of the case.

It is essential for expectant mothers who are using drugs to seek medical care and support. Honest and open communication with healthcare providers is crucial to ensure the best possible outcomes for both the mother and the unborn child. Prenatal care and addiction treatment can significantly reduce the potential risks associated with substance use during pregnancy and support a healthier pregnancy and childbirth.

Questions about our Facilities or Programs?

Our admissions coordinators are available 24/7 to answer any questions you may have as you consider whether treatment at Clearbrook Treatment Center is right for you or your loved one.

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Effects of Using Drugs While Pregnant

Many factors play into the risks of using drugs or alcohol while pregnant. These include the drug being abused, how often the substance is used, and at what point during the pregnancy the substance was introduced. These risks can often be avoided with the proper addiction treatment for pregnant women and oversight by a reputable doctor.

In general, common effects of substance abuse during pregnancy include:

  • Placental abruption
  • Miscarriage
  • Premature birth
  • Low birth weight
  • Development defects in the fetus
  • Stillbirth
  • Increased risk for sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS)

Additionally, many babies who are born to women who have abused alcohol and drugs may develop additional health issues as well, including:

  • Heart problems: Consuming alcohol and taking certain drugs during pregnancy can cause heart defects, particularly septal defects (a hole in the heart). Most infants born with heart defects die within the first year of life.
  • Infections, such as hepatitis C and HIV: These viruses are often transmitted by people who use and share needles when they use drugs intravenously, such as injecting heroin. Viruses can be passed on to the unborn baby during pregnancy or at birth, which can increase the likelihood of premature death, among other problems.
  • Neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS): This syndrome can occur when a baby is born to a mother with a substance use disorder (most commonly, opioid addiction) and develops withdrawal symptoms after birth.
  • Fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASDs): These disorders are associated with a range of cognitive and developmental difficulties resulting from alcohol use during pregnancy, and they usually last for life. Adults can even show signs of fetal alcohol syndrome.

Furthermore, other alcohol and drug-related developmental repercussions can become significant issues later in life, such as behavior and learning deficits and slower growth rates.1 Alcohol abuse during pregnancy is the leading preventable cause of developmental disabilities, learning disabilities, and birth defects in children in the U.S. What’s more, women who use drugs are more likely to receive delayed, limited, or no prenatal care at all, which could potentially lead to other complications for the growing fetus. The sooner an expecting woman can find a rehab for pregnant women, the better chance her baby has at being born full-term without complications.

Our Northeast Drug Rehab for Pregnant Women

Addiction is a chronic disease that affects millions of people in the U.S., including pregnant women. Research shows that more than 17 million people struggle with drinking, and almost 25 million adults abuse illegal and prescription substances.1 No one plans to become addicted to drugs or alcohol, but you can choose to get help.

Medical Detox

For pregnant women entering our residential rehab in Massachusetts and Pennsylvania, the initial step in their treatment is medically supervised detox, as is typical for all clients. Our detox program for pregnant women involves a carefully managed process where they are gradually weaned off drugs or alcohol under close medical supervision.

This is an essential step in the recovery process because it ensures that our soon-to-be mothers and their fetuses are safe and healthy during withdrawals. Withdrawal symptoms can be highly uncomfortable, painful, and even life-threatening, and when pregnancy is added to the mix, the risk of relapse and other complications runs high.

Additionally, the risk of miscarriage is high when detoxing from drugs while pregnant, which further emphasizes the need for medical care. Our treatment centers offer a safe drug detox for pregnancy that decreases the risk of miscarriage and relapse and increases the likelihood of getting clean.

Residential Treatment

In addition to our specialized detox program tailored for pregnant women, our residential rehabilitation facility offers a comprehensive suite of services designed to support both the health of the mother and the development of her baby. Our program includes individualized counseling sessions that focus on addressing personal triggers and challenges. Clients also benefit from group therapy, where they can share their experiences and gain support from peers who understand their unique struggles, fostering a sense of community and mutual encouragement.

Our facility provides in-depth psychotherapeutic services to address the underlying issues associated with addiction. Through a combination of evidence-based practices and compassionate care, our therapists work closely with clients to develop coping strategies. Each treatment plan is meticulously tailored to the individual’s needs, ensuring a personalized approach that enhances the effectiveness of the recovery process.

Furthermore, we offer robust aftercare services to support clients as they transition back into their daily lives following treatment. This includes ongoing therapy, support groups, and additional resources to help maintain sobriety and build a sustainable recovery plan. Given that there are relatively few facilities equipped to provide such specialized care for pregnant women, our Northeast addiction treatment centers are proud to fill this essential gap, providing a safe and supportive environment where both mother and child can embark on a path toward a healthier, more hopeful future.

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Contact Our Rehab for Pregnant Women Today

With the help of various medical experts and addiction specialists, we can offer women who are struggling with drug or alcohol use the safest and most efficient forms of treatment and detox while pregnant. Because both addiction and pregnancy are delicate situations, it is crucial for treatment programs for pregnant addicts to offer care that takes both the woman and the fetus into account.

Our goal is not only to help clients get clean but also to help them learn how to care for themselves and their families while developing new skills that are conducive to their recovery.

To learn more about our prenatal addiction treatment, contact Clearbrook’s pregnancy addiction center or call us at (800) 582-6241 today!

 

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