What to Know About Opioid Addiction and Pregnancy
Opioid addiction during pregnancy can have serious consequences for both the mother and the baby. Opioid use during pregnancy can lead to maternal and fetal death, premature birth, and other complications. It can also lead to neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome (NOWS), a condition in which the baby is born with a physical dependence on opioids.
NOWS can cause a number of health problems, including respiratory distress, seizures, tremors, and feeding difficulties. In some cases, NOWS can be life-threatening.
There is no safe level of opioid use during pregnancy. Even small amounts of opioids can cross the placenta and reach the fetus. The risk of problems increases the longer a woman uses opioids during pregnancy and the higher the dose of opioids she takes.
If you are pregnant or thinking about becoming pregnant, it is important to talk to your doctor about opioid addiction. There are a number of resources available to help pregnant women with opioid addiction get the treatment they need.
Symptoms of Opioid Addiction
Opioid addiction is a chronic disease that affects the brain and body. It can be caused by the use of prescription pain medication, heroin, or other illegal opioids.
Symptoms of opioid addiction include:
* Craving opioids
* Needing to take opioids to feel normal
* Taking opioids in larger amounts or more often than prescribed
* Continuing to use opioids despite negative consequences
* Problems with relationships, work, or school
* Financial problems
* Legal problems
Risks of Opioid Addiction During Pregnancy
Opioid addiction during pregnancy can lead to a number of serious complications, including:
* Maternal death: Opioid addiction is a leading cause of death among pregnant women. The risk of death is increased by the use of high doses of opioids, multiple opioids, and other drugs or alcohol.
* Fetal death: Opioid addiction can lead to fetal death from placental abruption, fetal distress, and preterm labor.
* Premature birth: Opioid addiction can increase the risk of premature birth by up to five times. Premature babies are at risk for a number of health problems, including respiratory problems, learning disabilities, and cerebral palsy.
* Low birth weight: Opioid addiction can lead to low birth weight, which is a risk factor for health problems in infancy and childhood.
* Neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome (NOWS): NOWS is a condition in which the baby is born with a physical dependence on opioids. NOWS can cause a number of health problems, including respiratory distress, seizures, tremors, and feeding difficulties. In some cases, NOWS can be life-threatening.
Treatment for Opioid Addiction During Pregnancy
There are a number of treatment options available for opioid addiction during pregnancy. Treatment can help pregnant women reduce their risk of complications and deliver healthy babies.
Treatment options include:
* Methadone: Methadone is a medication that can be used to treat opioid addiction during pregnancy. It is safe for both the mother and the fetus and can help to reduce the risk of complications.
* Buprenorphine: Buprenorphine is another medication that can be used to treat opioid addiction during pregnancy. It is also safe for both the mother and the fetus and can help to reduce the risk of complications.
* Counseling: Counseling can help pregnant women with opioid addiction to address the underlying causes of their addiction and develop coping mechanisms.
* Support groups: Support groups can provide pregnant women with opioid addiction with a safe and supportive environment where they can share their experiences and learn from others.
If you are pregnant or thinking about becoming pregnant, it is important to talk to your doctor about opioid addiction. There are a number of resources available to help pregnant women with opioid addiction get the treatment they need.