Heroin use during pregnancy is not only dangerous to the mother but also to the developing baby. As one of the most abused substances, heroin can severely affect a pregnancy. If you’re pregnant and struggling with heroin use, you’re not alone—there are options for you to get the support you need, and it’s crucial to take action for both your health and your baby’s well-being.
Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome
When a mother uses heroin during pregnancy, the baby can experience something called Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS). This occurs because the baby has been exposed to heroin in the womb and may go through withdrawal symptoms after birth. These symptoms can include shaking, excessive crying, and trouble feeding. NAS is a serious condition, but with the right treatment, newborns can recover and thrive. Symptoms of neonatal abstinence syndrome include:
- Tremors
- Diarrhea and vomiting
- Excessive crying
- Seizures
- Slow weight gain
- Fever
- Death
To prevent your baby from suffering life-altering consequences, they’ll need to stay in the hospital and receive medications to help relieve their symptoms. Over time, they’ll gradually be weaned off these medications until they can adjust to being entirely opioid-free.
Other Side Effects Associated With Heroin Use During Pregnancy
Heroin use during pregnancy not only leads to NAS—it can expose your baby to serious, life-altering risks. Some of the most common and severe complications include premature birth, low birth weight, birth defects, and even stillbirth. These are just a few of the risks your baby could face. Other side effects they could experience include:
- Neural tube defects, which involve the spinal cord, spine, and brain
- Being born too early
- Having a low birthweight
- Congenital heart defects, which occur when the heart doesn’t form correctly
- Gastroschisis, which is when there is a hole in the baby’s belly that allows the intestines to push through outside the body
What to Do If You’re Addicted and Pregnant
Now that you know a little more about the health problems your baby will be facing if you continue to take heroin, you might want to do something about it. If you’re pregnant and using heroin, you mustn’t quit cold turkey. Going without heroin suddenly can put both you and your baby in danger. It can lead to severe withdrawal symptoms, fetal distress, and even life-threatening complications. Always seek medical advice and support to safely reduce your dependence with professional guidance.
There are safe, effective treatments for heroin addiction during pregnancy that can help you take the first step toward recovery. Medications like methadone and buprenorphine are often prescribed to help reduce heroin dependence gradually. These medications are carefully monitored to ensure your safety and your baby’s health. You don’t have to do this alone—medical professionals will guide you every step of the way.
You might also want to look into medication-assisted therapy. This form of treatment feeds your body’s dependency on heroin by replacing it with a safer, medically monitored dose of either buprenorphine or methadone. Over time, you will gradually wean off these medications until you’re drug-free. It’s the least painful way to get off heroin.
Seeking help is the most important step you can take for both your well-being and your baby’s health. Drug and alcohol rehab programs tailored for pregnant women can provide you with the support and resources you need. Whether you’re looking for therapy, medical care, or community support, help is available. You don’t have to go through this alone—there are caring professionals ready to support you every step of the way.
While the journey to recovery might feel challenging, it’s the best thing you can do for yourself and your baby. Help is just a call or click away, and it’s easier than you think to get started. Reach out to a healthcare provider or treatment center today to learn about your options and take the first step toward a healthier future for both you and your baby.
