Dangers Of Opioids While Pregnant In Columbus, Ohio

Using opioids while pregnant presents serious risks for both the mother and the unborn child. In Columbus, where maternal addiction cases have steadily risen, local health systems have responded with coordinated care. If you’re pregnant and using opioids, understanding how your body and baby are affected is the first step toward protecting your future.

According to the Ohio Department of Health (2023), nearly 1 in 5 pregnant women entering treatment in Franklin County reported opioid misuse. These cases involve late prenatal care, higher NICU admissions, and long-term developmental concerns for the child.

Immediate help is available through trusted programs like White Light Behavioral Health. Emergency assistance is also offered 24/7 via the Franklin County Crisis Line.

You’re not alone. Support is close to home.

What Happens When Opioids Are Used During Pregnancy?

When opioids are used during pregnancy, the drug crosses the placenta and reaches the unborn baby. This direct exposure means the fetus is affected by every dose the mother takes, especially with prolonged or unsupervised use.

Opioids interfere with fetal brain development, slowing neurological function and altering how the brain responds to stimulation after birth. Physical growth, including body weight and organ development, is also impaired. These changes lead to lifelong developmental delays.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC, 2023), opioid use during pregnancy is linked to a 2- to 3-fold increase in risk for neonatal complications, including low birth weight, preterm delivery, and birth defects. 

Use during pregnancy also increases the risk of miscarriage, stillbirth, and premature delivery. Each of these outcomes places the newborn at higher risk for complications, both immediately after birth and in the years that follow.

What Are the Health Risks of Opioids use to the Baby?

The health risks to the baby from opioid use during pregnancy include both immediate complications and long-term developmental concerns. Exposure in the womb results in Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS), a condition where the newborn undergoes withdrawal after birth due to in-utero opioid dependence.

Babies with NAS show symptoms such as tremors, high-pitched crying, poor feeding, irritability, diarrhea, and breathing difficulties. These signs usually begin within the first 72 hours after birth and require hospitalization and medication-assisted care.

Long-term risks include low birth weight, delayed growth, learning disabilities, and behavioral problems later in life. These outcomes are more likely when opioid use is prolonged or unmonitored during pregnancy.

How Do Opioids Affect The Mother During Pregnancy?

The ways opioids affect the mother during pregnancy include medical complications, emergency delivery risks, and mental health deterioration. These effects compound with continued opioid exposure and lack of coordinated care.

More Resources on Addiction:

• Ohio’s Opioid Epidemic: Challenges and Solutions in Addressing the Crisis
• Managing Chronic Pain Without Opioids in Columbus, Ohio: Understanding the Link Between Pain and Opioid Addiction
• The Role of Trauma in Opioid Addiction: Addressing Underlying Causes

The ways opioids affect the mother during pregnancy are explained below:

• Increased risk of preeclampsia, infections, and overdose: Pregnant women using opioids face higher rates of blood pressure disorders, diseases, and life-threatening overdose, which puts both mother and baby at risk.
• Higher emergency care needs during labour and delivery: Opioid use leads to poor fetal monitoring outcomes, the need for cesarean sections, or unplanned NICU admission. Emergency intervention becomes more common.
• Mental health issues: Women with opioid dependence experience worsened mental health, like depression, anxiety, and postpartum relapse risk during and after pregnancy. Depression and anxiety elevate relapse risk, especially without postnatal support.

What Is Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS)?

Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS) is a withdrawal condition that affects newborns exposed to opioids in the womb. It occurs when a baby becomes physically dependent on the drug during pregnancy and experiences withdrawal after birth.

Symptoms usually begin within 24-72 hours after delivery and include tremors, excessive crying, sleep problems, vomiting, diarrhea, and seizures. The intensity and duration of symptoms depend on the type and amount of opioids used during pregnancy, as well as how late into pregnancy the exposure occurred.

In Columbus, hospitals like Nationwide Children’s provide specialized NAS treatment units. Care includes medication, close monitoring, and parent-guided comforting techniques to reduce symptoms and hospital stay.

What Are The Treatment Options For Pregnant Women In Columbus?

The treatment options for pregnant women in Columbus include medication, specialized care programs, and integrated prenatal services. These approaches prioritize both maternal stability and fetal safety.

• Medication-assisted treatment (MAT): Medication-assisted treatment with methadone or buprenorphine is considered the standard of care for pregnant women with opioid use disorder. These medications reduce cravings and withdrawal risks while supporting a safer pregnancy outcome.
• Prenatal care integration with addiction services for safe management: Clinics in Columbus now combine OB/GYN services with behavioral health support, allowing coordinated care and consistent monitoring of mother and baby.

What To Do If You’re Concerned About Your Opioid Use During Pregnancy

If you’re concerned about your opioid use during pregnancy, the most important step is to seek help immediately without fear of judgment. Opioid use in pregnancy is a medical condition, not a moral failure, and there are safe, confidential options in Columbus to support you and your baby.

Start by contacting your OB/GYN or a local clinic to discuss your substance use openly. Many providers are trained in prenatal addiction care and connect you with medication-assisted treatment and counseling. You can also call the Franklin County Crisis Line at (614) 276-2273 for referrals and guidance.

Delaying help increases health risks, but early support improves outcomes. Opioid detox and rehab in Columbus, Ohio, are designed to meet you where you are, without legal punishment, with full support.

How Should Detoxing From Opioid Use During Pregnancy Be Managed?

Detoxing from opioid use during pregnancy should always be medically supervised and never attempted alone. Sudden withdrawal increases the risk of miscarriage, premature labor, and fetal distress. Safe detox must be carefully managed by professionals trained in addiction medicine and obstetrics.

In Columbus, recovery center programs follow best-practice protocols. These involve stabilizing the mother with methadone or buprenorphine to prevent acute withdrawal while protecting the unborn baby.

Detox is not just about removing the drug. It includes behavioral therapy, prenatal care, nutrition, and mental health support to build a stable foundation for the pregnancy and long-term recovery.

Where Can Pregnant Women Get Help In Columbus, Ohio?

Pregnant women can get help in Columbus, Ohio, through a network of maternal health and addiction recovery services focused on safety and support. Many addiction recovery centers offer weekly education, nutrition, and prenatal support for at-risk pregnant women, with locations across Franklin County.

These programs integrate behavioral health services with prenatal care for women battling substance use. Walk-in clinics and community health centers also offer confidential, low-cost support for expectant mothers facing addiction.