Becoming pregnant is a wonderful thing but can be a delicate situation as it is no longer just yourself you have to look after. During this time, it is essential to prioritise your health so that the risk of complications is reduced. Of course, Addiction to drugs or alcohol at any time is dangerous, but if you are pregnant, it’s even more worrisome.
If you are worried about addiction and pregnancy, you may have many questions – can I go to rehab? Is there help available for me?
It’s important to get the answers to these questions, know about the dangers of addiction and how you can find the right rehab centre for pregnant women.
Understanding Addiction During Pregnancy
Pregnancy and substance abuse is a dangerous situation. Addiction is risky enough – you put yourself at higher risk of developing physical and mental health issues. If pregnant, your addiction will also affect the foetus – causing you to face many challenges.
Stillbirth, premature birth, birth defects, the baby being born with the addiction – these are all real possibilities if an addiction cannot be overcome.
It’s of utmost importance to deal with addiction head-on as it is a progressive problem and will only get worse if left untreated. Long-term health issues for the mother and baby are inevitable if help is not sought.
What are the Effects of Addiction During Pregnancy?
Substance abuse during pregnancy will increase the risk of health problems for yourself and the baby. You put yourself at risk of overdose, heart problems, organ damage, increased mental health problems and brain damage.
There are many dangers to the unborn baby as well, including:
- Premature birth
- Stillbirth
- Birth defects
- Cognitive and developmental issues as the baby develops
- Low birth weight
- Miscarriage
A condition known as placenta abruption is also a possibility. This is an uncommon complication and means when the placenta separates from the inner wall of the uterus before delivery. This can block oxygen and nutrients to the baby and cause heavy bleeding for the mother.
Another big issue is the child being born with neonatal abstinence syndrome. This is when the baby is born; they start going through withdrawal of the same substance that the mother has been taking. This can cause many symptoms in the newborn, including fever, seizures, vomiting and poor feeding.
Is It Safe to Go to Rehab While Pregnant?
Addiction is dangerous, but you may also be worried about getting sober. There can be dangers, especially for pregnant women, so you may be asking yourself, “Can you go to rehab while pregnant?”
Safety is of utmost importance during rehabilitation. There will be many measures in place to ensure your safety and the safety of the unborn child. A tailored treatment programme will consider your situation – ensuring nothing you do will adversely affect the baby.
You will have a thorough examination, be under constant care from care and medical professionals and be in a calm and caring environment. All this is done to make you feel safe and confident in your choice to get better.
Family can be part of the process, so you don’t miss out on that vital support. You will also be given guidance and information to address fears around child services.
Types of Addiction Treatments Available for Pregnant Women
Being pregnant is not a barrier to treatment at rehab. There are many forms of addiction treatment available that are safe and may be adapted to suit you.
- Behavioural therapies: our therapies at Asana Lodge are there to help you better understand your addiction. You will also learn better-coping techniques and become better at mastering triggers and dealing with potential relapses.
- Group support: you can gather with other people at the centre to work through your issues. Group meetings also allow you to connect with others who understand what you are going through and help foster a community that makes you feel less isolated and ashamed.
- Medication-assisted treatments: this can be key for pregnant women. More medication may seem bad, but if monitored closely and with dosages changed, MAT can be adapted to meet the needs of pregnant women without endangering the mother or baby.
What to Expect During Rehab While Pregnant
During the admissions process, you will go through initial assessments to work out what treatment is right for you. After you arrive, you will be given a tour and time to settle in.
Afterwards, a medical team will provide a medical assessment to discuss your health further and hammer out your personalised treatment plan. This will take into consideration what medical care you will need due to the pregnancy.
Detox will begin, and you will be guided through it by professionals. You’ll settle into a routine of attending individual and group therapy sessions.
This will be a time of adjustment, and you will have to get used to staying somewhere new, not always having access to your phone and being around people a lot of the time. Special considerations will also be given to pregnant women, including nutritional support and prenatal care.
The Benefits of Attending Rehab During Pregnancy
There are many benefits to residential addiction treatment for yourself and the baby. Benefits include:
- Proper prenatal care
- Reduced risk of health complications during pregnancy
- Being part of a supportive community
- Removing stigma and shame from addiction
- In a non-judgmental and caring environment
- Learn new skills
Early intervention is vital in these situations as it can greatly decrease the risk of complications during pregnancy and result in much better birth outcomes for the baby.
Common Challenges of Rehab During Pregnancy
Pregnancy and substance abuse brings unique challenges, even during rehab.
- Physical discomfort: even without the effects of substances, pregnant women suffer. Aches and pains, back pain and vomiting are all part of being pregnant. Rehab centres can help you manage these with physical therapy, holistic therapies such as yoga and rest when you need it.
- Emotional vulnerability: hormones may be more active during pregnancy and make you especially emotionally fragile. You can overcome this in rehab, especially by talking to others and practising mindfulness.
- Social stigma: you may experience added stigma as it could appear that you are intentionally harming your child. People may even react badly to you in rehab. Being around supportive staff members, becoming more educated about addiction and attending support meetings can help remove your internal stigma and the stigma of others.
How to Choose the Right Rehab Centre for Pregnant Women
Choosing the right rehab is important, especially if you are dealing with a pregnancy as well.
You should make sure the rehab centre you go to has tailored programmes for pregnant women – including a detox programme. You should question whether the staff members are experienced in dealing with pregnant women and whether comprehensive medical support is available.
Having access to a personalised care plan is a must, and you should ask about post-rehab support that is suitable for both the mother and child.
It’s important to know your needs and goals, whether you want outpatient or inpatient treatment, be sure of the location of the rehab centre, and make sure the financial burden is suitable.
Getting Help: The First Steps to Recovery
If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction and pregnancy, then reach out for help. You don’t have to do it alone as family members can help you. At Asana Lodge, we want to make family part of the journey, and they can be involved in family therapy and be part of every step of the journey.
The first step is making the call. You’ll then do an initial consultation where our admissions team will ask you a series of questions to get a handle on your situation and what the best treatment options are.
For more information on our private drug and alcohol rehab, what we offer and how you can get help, call now at 01908 489 421.
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