Many illegal substances used by pregnant women (like heroin, cocaine, crack and methamphetamines) can have bad health consequences for their unborn child. Most substances used by women during pregnancy can cross the placenta and affect their unborn child. Even some prescription drugs that are obtained on the street or illegally can also affect your child as it is developing and then cause neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS) after birth. NAS can cause your baby to have withdrawal symptoms like when a drug addict goes through withdrawal after it is born. These symptoms can be controlled or even avoided if women using drugs any drugs or illegal substances seek treatment with a provider during pregnancy. Let your provider know all the medications and drugs you are using to help them understand how best to treat you during pregnancy. Taking illegal drugs during pregnancy can also increase the risk of stillbirth and premature delivery. Seek care early in pregnancy and let your provider know what medications or substances that you have been exposed to. For more information use the resources below.
General Resources:
If you need assistance locating providers that assist with substance use/abuse problems, please call the MCH MOMS Helpline at 1-844-MCH-MOMS (844-624-6667).
Resources:
The CDC has a website for general information regarding medication during pregnancy or breastfeeding. https://www.cdc.gov/pregnancy/meds/treatingfortwo/facts.html
The National Institute on Drug Abuse has a general information about illegal substances and drugs use during pregnancy. https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/research-reports/substance-use-in-women/substance-use-while-pregnant-breastfeeding
Services:
For more information on services available contact your health provider. They can direct you to services available locally including some listed below.
Wheeler Mission Center for Women & Children, 3208 E. Michigan St., Indianapolis, IN 46201 (317.687.3630) provides care for nonpregnant women and children.
The Fresh Start Recovery Center, operated by Volunteers of America of Indiana, focuses on helping mothers recover from opioid, heroin, and other drug addictions and have healthy children. It admits pregnant women with an addiction involving opiates who do not have an open case with the Indiana Department of Children Services (DCS) as well as women with a substance abuse problem who are involved with DCS. This program uniquely allows mothers and children to remain together while mother receives residential treatment for drug abuse. Mothers who are working toward regaining care of their children also participate in this program. Locations include Indianapolis and Winchester, we accept referrals from mothers who live anywhere in Indiana. This program is provided at no cost to the mother and insurance coverage is not required. For more information contact [email protected] or (317) 617-1681.