Birth Defects and Drugs: How Drug Dependence Impacts Children
Opioid addiction hurts the individual suffering, as well as the friends and family surrounding them. When a woman is pregnant, the situation becomes more complex, as drug dependence can cause life-altering birth defects for the unborn child. Brightside understands each situation requires personalized drug addiction treatment, particularly when there’s a risk of fetal harm.
We work with women to combat the opioid addiction as early as possible in attempts to improve the quality of life for mothers and babies. Sadly, even with early intervention, there can be permanent birth defects from opiate use during pregnancy. Here are some of the issues that may arise from using drugs while pregnant.
Congenital Heart Defects
Expectant mothers who suffer from heroin addiction greatly increase their child’s risk for a congenital heart defect. In other words, the child could be born with some structural issue of the heart, which may even prove fatal. According to statistics, issues with the heart are the leading cause of newborn death compared to any other birth defect. Because it’s dangerous to simply quit taking the medications due to opiate withdrawals, Brightside wants to help safely eliminate the mother’s use as quickly as possible.
Spina Bifida
Drug dependence during pregnancy can also affect neurological development. For example, a condition known as spina bifida can cause motor problems, learning difficulties, and an array of other life-long challenges for the child.
Hydrocephaly
Hydrocephaly, which can be a symptom of spina bifida or a free-standing birth defect, is fluid on the brain with the potential to cause everything from seizures to slowed development. The Brightside specialists are passionate about helping these mothers throughout the treatment process to fight potential negative effects on the way to recovery.
Gastroschisis
Gastroschisis is a somewhat rarer defect linked to drug dependence during pregnancy. In this condition, the infant is born with portions of the intestinal tract outside of the body, and this defect leads to surgery and long recovery for the infant after birth.
Protect Your Child from Pain with Brightside
No mother wants to see her child in pain. Naturally, an expectant mother suffering from opiate addiction has even more motivation to seek help. The treatment experts at Brightside welcome these women with open arms and guide them through recovery.
If you or someone you love needs help with drug dependence, contact Brightside today. Since opening in 2015, we’ve helped over 200 people a month recover from opioid addiction.
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