Drug Addiction During Pregnancy
If you are pregnant and using drugs or know someone who is using during their pregnancy, this is something to really look at closely. Obviously, this can effect the fetus and child as well. Kids can be born cocaine addicted and there is a lot of guilt and worry that accompanies this which can lead to more drug abuse due to poor coping skills.
Some of the complications that can occur using drugs during pregnancy include anemia, blood and heart infections, skin infections, hepatitis, and other infectious diseases. She also is at greater risk for sexually transmitted diseases. Most drugs cross the placenta – the organ that provides nourishment to the baby. Some can cause direct toxic, or poisonous effets and create a child who is born with a drug addiction.
Pregancy can be an overwhelming time, but focusing on the love for your child in the womb will be a great motivator. Remembering that having a baby that is born addicted or has low weight due to this malnourishment helps to get the mind re-focused.
It can be helpful to read about the process of a new born baby withdrawing from drugs and also what the stress is on the child’s organs.
Keep in mind that smoking pot during pregnancy can lead to a kid’s behavioral problems. Cocaine addiction can result in premature births. This is always risky. A doctor can administer a chromatography lab to check for drugs including pot and cocaine abuse.
Pregnancy is usually joyful, but sometimes there can be circumstances that make it complicated. You may not have planned on getting pregnant. You may have recently broken up with the child’s father or have an ongoing negative relationship pattern together. There can be a lot of fears of one’s mothering skills. Will you know how to deal with your baby’s crying, breast feeding and changing the diapers? Most women have insecurities about their mothering skills and feel apprehensive. This is normal. You will learn how to care for your child and it is helpful to take parenting classes as well.
What is best now is to seek counseling and treatment for the drug problem so it won’t further complicate your life. You will be able to have a clear mind then to make important decisions about your life with your baby. It can be overwhelming to stop a drug addiction but to continue with it will bring up so much guilt, doubt and negative feelings inside of yourself. Think about the beautiful baby you are carrying and know that you will be able to work out any relationship , financial and career questions that come up. Getting treatment is the best thing you can do for yourself and your child.