Dr. Marjorie Greenfield
Specializing in pregnancy and birth.
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 Ask Dr. Greenfield
Prenatal Effects of Heroin Addiction | | | QUESTION | | | Dear Dr. Greenfield,
I am a heroin addict and have been using throughout my entire first trimester. Please advise me on what can be done to ensure my baby is healthy. I have subsequently stopped using, but am afraid that damage may already have been done. Are there any tests to confirm if there has been any permanent damage? Also, I am curious to know if the baby was affected during the detox period?
— Sobermom in New Jersey | | | ANSWER |
April 3, 2001 | | | Dear Sobermom,
I am impressed that you have quit using heroin--it is a very difficult addiction to break. Narcotic drugs like heroin do not seem to cause birth defects, but if the baby is born with drugs in his system, he will have to go through withdrawal symptoms just like an adult, so it's very important that you stay clean. We usually don't have addicted mothers detox during pregnancy because research shows that some babies are lost during the withdrawal process. In your case, happily, your baby survived and there is no reason to think he will have problems from your prior use.
You obviously care about this baby and want to be a good mother, so I am going to tell you a couple of other things to consider, even though they may be hard to bring yourself to do. Moms with addiction problems should get tested for HIV, since HIV transmission to the baby can now be prevented with proper medications. Also, if you're not already in one, I encourage you to join a recovery program that offers support and therapy. Such a program will aid you in your determination to stay clean during your pregnancy, and will help you stick to your new drug-free lifestyle after your baby is born. Too often, we see moms resume using heroin after childbirth, and I can tell from the urgency in your message that you want a better life than this for you and your baby.
I hope that you stay well, continue to be sober, and have a healthy and happy baby. Good luck to you.
— by Marjorie Greenfield, M.D. |
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