Wondering if you can detox while pregnant? The answer is a resounding yes since your fetus is highly susceptible to the impacts of any of the substances you take. Whether prescription medication, natural supplements, or drugs and alcohol, your fetus is directly impacted. Therefore, when a mother struggles with addiction, it can be complicated to heal and recover from substance use disorder. However, it is vital to the mother and their fetus’s health to go through medically supervised detox. Many mothers have concerns about detox while pregnant, and Santé Center for Healing is here to help them. Call us at 866.238.3154 so we can put your mind at ease, and help you begin recovery, so you and your future child are as healthy as possible.
Can You Detox While Pregnant?
Substance use disorder raises the chances of stillbirth, fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS), congenital disabilities, miscarriage, premature birth, low birth weight, neurological defects, and neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS). Continued drug or alcohol use while pregnant can double or triple the likelihood of these health issues. The best way for pregnant women to make sure their fetus is healthy is by being healthy themselves. This means entering into a drug or alcohol detox program as soon as possible. Addiction is a disease that can affect anyone at any time. Often, dependent individuals continue to use drugs or alcohol while they are pregnant. For some, pregnancy comes as a surprise, and they are worried about the effects of the substances they’ve used on the fetus. For others, their dependency is so acute that even though they realize it’s dangerous, they can’t stop using. In either case, the best course for the mother and the fetus is to find a detox program at a substance abuse treatment center.
Withdrawal Symptoms a Pregnant Woman Might Experience During Detox
Looking for addiction detox near you? Want to know more about detox when pregnant? Through medically supervised detox, pregnant individuals can work through withdrawal symptoms.
- Nausea
- Cramps
- Diarrhea
- Sweating
- Tremors
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Insomnia
- Fatigue
- Muscle aches
- Headaches
- Cravings
- Fetal movement changes
Depending on the substance, person, and duration of dependence, the withdrawal will vary in intensity and duration. However, with the correct use of medications in a safe, comfortable environment, individuals can begin the healing process. For those pregnant, this means they’ll be healthier and stronger ahead of giving birth, which increases the likelihood that the child will be born healthy with minimal issues.
Why Expecting Mothers Should Detox with Professional Help
Detoxing from drugs and alcohol at a rehab center is crucial for pregnant women because it ensures both their safety and their baby’s well-being. Professional care in a structured environment provides essential medical supervision and support, minimizing the risks of withdrawal complications and managing any potential health issues. Detoxing alone can result in issues such as:
- Increased risk of stillbirth: The National Institute on Drug Abuse writes that women who use substances will pregnant increase their chance of stillbirth—even if it’s just tobacco use.
- Increased risk of Sudden Infant Death (SIDs): The National Institute on Drug Abuse writes that substance use after the first trimester of birth increases the risk of SIDs twelvefold.
- Higher incidence of low birth weight: Substance abuse during pregnancy is strongly associated with low birth weight.
- Increased risk of Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS): The incidence of NAS, a condition where newborns experience withdrawal symptoms, can happen without a medical detox.
- Greater likelihood of developmental issues: Children exposed to drugs in utero are at higher risk for developmental and behavioral problems.
- Need for specialized care: Pregnant women with substance use disorders often require specialized medical care to manage detox safely. Rehab centers offer this tailored care, whereas detoxing alone can lead to severe complications for both the mother and baby.
Unlike detoxing alone, a rehab center offers access to specialized medical treatment, psychological support, and tailored programs that address the unique needs of pregnant women, significantly reducing the risks of adverse effects on both mother and child.
How Drug and Alcohol Use Can Affect Pregnant Women
While it may make some anxious, the thought of detox while pregnant is the best course of action. Through detox, a mother can get to the healthiest state possible for the birth of their child. Therefore, the best way to ensure a baby has the most nutritious start possible is to get into a detox program as soon as possible after discovering they are pregnant. At Santé Center for Healing, we don’t just offer detox programs for various substances like alcohol, cocaine, heroin, opioids, and prescription drugs. We also offer gender-specific treatment that can help pregnant women not only work through their withdrawal but address their underlying issues surrounding addiction. It’s important to find support because drug and alcohol use can have serious effects on a fetus, such as:
- Alcohol use during pregnancy can cause miscarriage, stillbirth, and a range of lifelong congenital disabilities and developmental disabilities. These disabilities are known as fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASDs).
- Opioid use during pregnancy has been linked to poor fetal growth, preterm birth, stillbirth, specific congenital disabilities, and neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS).
- Some research shows that marijuana use during pregnancy is linked to low birth weight. It may also increase the chances of a child’s developmental problems, such as problems with attention and learning.
Discover How Santé Center for Healing Can Help
Whether you’re wondering about the effects of detox while pregnant or looking to overcome addiction to restore your physical and mental health and well-being, Santé Center for Healing can help. We offer numerous drugs addiction treatment programs, such as:
- Inpatient Alcohol Rehab
- Inpatient Drug Rehab
- Intensive Outpatient Program
- Outpatient Rehab
- Transitional Living
- Aftercare Programs
Each of these programs offers patients a wide range of therapeutic options to help them identify triggers, develop healthy coping mechanisms, and ultimately overcome addiction. Reach out to us today by calling 866.238.3154 to learn more.
