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Dangers of Opioids While Pregnant

opioid use during pregnancy

Opioid use during pregnancy is an aspect of the opioid crisis that isn’t discussed enough.

Of the 7% of women who report using prescription opioid pain relievers during pregnancy, one in five report that they’ve misused opioids. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s 2022 report, the number of women diagnosed with opioid-related issues during delivery rose by 131% from 2010 to 2017, as noted by care providers.

Knowing about the risk level involved in using opioids while pregnant is important.

What Are Opioids?

Opioids are a class of drugs that are commonly used to relieve pain. They work by binding to specific receptors in the brain and body, reducing the perception of pain.

Many opioids are derived from the opium poppy plant, while others are synthetic. For example, prescription opioids like morphine and oxycodone are often used after surgeries or for chronic pain management.

What Counts as Opioid Misuse During Pregnancy?  

Opioid Misuse During Pregnancy is when opioids are obtained outside a medical setting or used for non-pain relief purposes. Opioid misuse can be defined in two ways:

  1. The first is obtaining prescription opioid pain relievers from a source outside of a licensed healthcare setting.
  2. The second is using opioid pain relievers for any other reason than relieving pain. 

Common prescription opioids that are misused include fentanyl oxycodone, hydrocodone, morphine, and methadone. Heroin is an example of an illegal opioid.

Why Is Misusing Opioids While Pregnant Dangerous?

Misusing opioids while pregnant is dangerous because it is associated with several poor health outcomes for both mother and child. Struggling with untreated OUD during pregnancy increases risks for:

  • Stillbirth
  • Birth defects
  • Preterm birth
  • Poor fetal growth
  • Maternal death
  • Neonatal abstinence syndrome 

Expectant mothers need to avoid leaning on “positive” anecdotal evidence they have heard from others who have misused opioids during pregnancy. The short-term and long-term effects of prenatal opioids on children are not fully known yet.

For reasons that aren’t clear to researchers, not all babies exposed to opioids in the womb are born with symptoms. However, the long-term effects on a child’s development could still be negative. 

What is Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS)?

NAS is one of the most common repercussions of opioid misuse during pregnancy. When children are exposed to opioids and other addictive substances during pregnancy, they undergo painful withdrawal periods after birth. Alicia Gallegos mentioned in a 2018 study by the Association of American Medical Colleges that between 55% and 94% of babies born to mothers who used opioids during pregnancy suffer from NAS.

More Resources on Addiction:

Babies with NAS generally begin showing signs within 72 hours of birth. NAS signs include:

  • Tremors
  • Seizures
  • Excessive crying
  • Nasal congestion
  • Poor feeding and latching
  • Dehydration
  • Vomiting or diarrhea
  • Excessive sweating
  • Sleep disturbances

NAS symptoms can vary based on the type of substance used, the amount of substances taken, and the last time a substance was used by the mother. Symptoms can also vary based on a baby being born premature or at full term. NAS symptoms in newborns can last anywhere from a few hours to several weeks.

It’s important to note that opioids given at the time of delivery to help laboring mothers manage pain do not produce NAS symptoms. 

NAS is a growing crisis. Rates of NAS have been significantly increasing each year in the United States since 2017 as noted on NCBI in July 2023 by Mohammadreza Azadfard. 

How Will I Know If My Baby Has Withdrawals From Opioids After Birth?

You will know if your baby has opioid withdrawals after birth if medical professionals detect signs of withdrawal. Using a special chart, doctors and nurses can determine how severe withdrawal symptoms are.

If a baby has a high withdrawal score, they may be transferred to a special care unit or administered medication. Expectant mothers should not avoid medical care for themselves and their babies due to fear of withdrawal symptoms being detected.

Untreated opioid withdrawal symptoms can be dangerous for a baby. Immediate care following birth can help a baby remain safe and comfortable during painful withdrawal symptoms. 

New approaches, such as those at Yale Children’s Hospital, focus on parent involvement to help ease symptoms. Using the eat, sleep, console approach, care providers tap into the benefits of keeping babies and moms close to soothe infants. This approach also supports families after babies are born.

What are the risks for mothers who misuse opioids during pregnancy?

Mothers who misuse opioids during pregnancy face significant risks, including developing a high tolerance, requiring larger doses for the same effect, and a dramatically increased risk of overdosing.

What to Do if You’re Concerned About Your Opioid Use During Pregnancy

If you’re concerned about your opioid use during pregnancy, you should be screened for opioid use disorder (OUD). Screening for substance use is often part of standard prenatal visits in obstetric care.

While an OBGYN may detect signs of OUD, they cannot provide treatments for substance use. Support for OUD is instead provided by behavioral health or addiction specialists on either an inpatient or outpatient basis.

What Care Options Are Available for Opioid Use During Pregnancy?

Care options available for opioid use during pregnancy include professional help and rehabilitation settings. Many women who learn they are pregnant assume that the care and concern they have for their babies will give them the willpower to quit.

However, opioid addiction is a powerful biochemical and physiological force that makes the body chemically dependent on opioids. This is why attempts to stop taking opioids without professional help are often unsuccessful.

Opioid withdrawal symptoms can be excruciating. When combined with morning sickness, aches and pains, and hormonal changes that occur with pregnancy, opioid withdrawal symptoms can be extremely severe. According to Mansi Shah’s study published in NCBI in July 2023, people who attempt to quit opioids “cold turkey” in an unsupervised setting often experience extreme bouts of:

  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Fatigue
  • Muscle aches
  • Whole-body aches
  • Irritability

Unfortunately, the severity of withdrawal symptoms causes many people to revert to opioid use to get relief. A professional rehabilitation setting offers pregnant opioid users a carefully monitored setting where they can safely and comfortably detox to focus on making a full recovery from opioid use.

How should detoxing from opioid use during pregnancy be managed?

Detoxing from opioid use during pregnancy should be managed with special care due to the extra health-related and emotional implications involved. Treatments should be tailored to meet the needs of each client.

Medically assisted detox programs are commonly used to help pregnant women discontinue opioid use. Methadone and buprenorphine are considered first-line therapy options for detoxing during pregnancy. In the medical world, these substances are called medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD).

Like all medications, methadone and buprenorphine come with benefits and risks that must be balanced. Expectant mothers should coordinate closely with their prenatal care teams and rehabilitation specialists to ensure that care is managed properly throughout pregnancy, delivery, and postpartum.

A recovery plan for opioid use should also include therapy and behavioral support. An effective rehab treatment model should be based on the latest evidence-based practices for supporting healthy long-term recovery.

What are the other treatment options for overcoming opioid use during pregnancy?

Other treatment options for overcoming opioid use during pregnancy include addressing the physical, behavioral, and emotional components of addiction. In most cases, care professionals prioritize stabilizing an expectant mother’s health using MOUDs (Medications for Opioid Use Disorder) for a medically supervised detox, which can provide significant relief. 

Once opioid use is stabilized, the next priority is to offer emotional support to tackle the underlying causes of addiction. 

Common approaches include: 

Based on the severity of opioid use, an expectant mother’s circumstances, and other factors, a patient may choose a variety of methods for getting help. This can include residential treatment, partial hospitalization, intensive outpatient care, and aftercare. 

Finding an Opioid Addiction Treatment Center That Treats Pregnant Women

Women who are trying to overcome opioid use disorder during pregnancy often feel like they are in an uphill battle. Juggling recovery and pregnancy isn’t easy. What’s more, not all rehabilitation centers have the experience and expertise needed to help pregnant women comfortably pursue treatment to overcome opioid use before their babies are born. 

White Light Behavioral Health is a licensed rehab center in Columbus, Ohio, specializing in recovery services for OUD. Clients can receive custom treatments under the care and supervision of a top-notch team. Treatment plans at White Light Behavioral Health include:

During the admissions process, a specialist assesses each patient’s medical history. A program will then be recommended by a counselor assigned to the incoming client. With admissions services available 24/7, getting help for opioid use during pregnancy doesn’t have to wait.

Pregnant women struggling with opioid usage must understand that care providers aim to erase the stigma surrounding addiction during pregnancy. This stigma blocks access to life-saving care for mothers and children. Reaching out for help feels scary but creates a healthy outcome for both mother and child during pregnancy and delivery.

How do opioids affect a developing fetus during pregnancy?

Opioids affect a developing fetus during pregnancy by crossing the placenta, which can lead to complications such as preterm birth, low birth weight, and neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS). Pregnant individuals must seek medical guidance to address opioid use and minimize potential harm to the fetus.

What are the potential long-term effects of prenatal opioid exposure on children?

Prenatal opioid exposure leads to long-term developmental and behavioral challenges in children. These challenges include cognitive impairments, learning difficulties, and an increased risk of developing substance use disorders later in life.

How can healthcare providers support pregnant individuals struggling with opioid addiction?

Opioid treatment center in Ohio can offer comprehensive prenatal care, including substance abuse treatment, mental health support, and access to medication-assisted treatment (MAT) to help pregnant individuals manage opioid addiction and reduce potential harm to themselves and their babies.

How does prenatal opioid exposure impact breastfeeding and infant care?

Prenatal opioid exposure can affect breastfeeding, as opioids can be present in breast milk. It’s essential for individuals who have used opioids during pregnancy to consult with healthcare providers to make informed decisions about breastfeeding and infant care.

How does opioid addiction relate to chronic pain management?

Opioid addiction relates to chronic pain management as it can develop from the use of prescription opioids for chronic pain management. Understanding the connection between opioid use and chronic pain is crucial for developing effective strategies to address both issues simultaneously.

What support resources are available for pregnant individuals struggling with opioid addiction?

There are various support resources available, including prenatal substance abuse treatment programs, support groups, counseling services, and community organizations that can provide assistance and guidance for pregnant individuals dealing with opioid addiction.

What are the potential risks of untreated opioid addiction during pregnancy?

Untreated opioid addiction during pregnancy poses significant health risks to both the pregnant individual and the developing fetus. These risks include an increased likelihood of maternal mortality, various pregnancy complications, and adverse outcomes for the newborn.

What role does trauma play in the development of opioid addiction?

Trauma plays a significant role in the development of opioid addiction, as individuals may turn to opioids as a way to cope with past traumatic experiences. Understanding the role of trauma is essential for providing comprehensive treatment for individuals struggling with opioid addiction.

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