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 after birth, requiring a longer stay in the hospital.
In Indiana, the law says healthcare providers have to ask all pregnant individuals questions about substance use. Some providers might do a urine drug screen. The reason for this is to help you and your baby get the right treatment. Healthcare providers cannot report the results of a positive screen while pregnant to police or Department of Child Services (DCS) unless they have the patient’s written consent or a court order. However, healthcare providers can report to DCS if your baby has a positive drug screen at birth. Being involved in recovery services can help when it comes to your DCS case.
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 or (844-624-6667).
Substance Use and Pregnancy Flyer PDF
Resources
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
The CDC has a website for general information regarding medication during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
https://www.cdc.gov/medicine-and-pregnancy/about/index.html
National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA)
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.
Indiana Pregnancy Promise Program
The Indiana Pregnancy Promise Program is a free, voluntary program for pregnant and postpartum Medicaid members who are or have been impacted by substance use disorders. The program ensures women’s privacy and confidentiality. The Pregnancy Promise Program connects individuals to prenatal and postpartum care, other physical and mental health care, treatment for substance use disorders, and addresses unmet health-related social needs of the family. The Pregnancy Promise Program provides support during the prenatal period and for 12- months after the end of pregnancy, or through the infant’s first year of life. The program offers hope to mothers and infants by identifying resources and supports needed to set a strong foundation for their future.
https://www.in.gov/fssa/promise/
CHOICE Program
Community Hospital East offers care to pregnant individuals struggling with substance use disorder. This program is designed to help each patient get into a treatment program to support the path to recovery. The CHOICE program is covered by most pregnancy related insurance, including Medicaid.
Call 317-355-1482 or visit www.ecommunity.com/CHOICE
Eskenazi Health Circle of Recovery for Families
Services for pregnant individuals with substance use disorders. The program has a family-centered approach and provides a primary care home for patients, in addition to substance use disorder treatment. Services are ongoing throughout pregnancy and beyond, building long-term relationships between families and the health care team.
Call 317-880-5950 for more information.
Substance Use Outreach Services (SUOS) from the Marion County Health Department
Substance use case management, free/low cost STI testing, and referrals for support services. SUOS can link you to providers for treatment, as well as provide financial assistance for treatment programs.
Call 317-221-4618 for more information.
Intouch Outreach (ITOR)
Offers peer recovery and community support services to individuals and families in need.
Visit www.intouchoutreach.org for more information.
The Fresh Start Recovery Center
Operated by Volunteers of America of Indiana, the Fresh Start Recovery Center 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 call 317-617-1681.