Pregnancy marks the beginning of a new life journey filled with excitement, anticipation, and countless possibilities. But for women grappling with opioid use disorder, this period may also bring immense uncertainty and fear. Substance use disorders don’t simply go away when the pregnancy test turns positive, and the reality of opioid use during pregnancy is complex and often misunderstood.
This article explores the risks associated with opioids during pregnancy, the challenges pregnant women face when trying to quit, and the compassionate, life-changing support available through Hanley Center’s Casa Flores program.
The Dangers of Opioid Use During Pregnancy
Opioids—whether prescription medications like oxycodone and hydrocodone or illicit substances such as heroin and fentanyl—pose serious health risks when used during pregnancy. Because these drugs easily cross the placenta, the developing baby is directly exposed, often leading to severe, long-term consequences for both mother and child.
Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS): Babies exposed to opioids in the womb may experience withdrawal symptoms after birth, including irritability, difficulty feeding, tremors, vomiting, diarrhea, fever, and even seizures. This condition often requires specialized medical care and can have lasting developmental impacts.
Increased Risk of Birth Defects and Other Complications: Opioid use during pregnancy is associated with a range of significant health issues, including:
- Neural Tube Defects: These are serious abnormalities in the baby’s brain, spine, or spinal cord.
- Congenital Heart Defects: Structural problems in the heart that can affect blood flow and overall health.
- Gastroschisis: A defect where the baby’s intestines protrude outside the abdomen, necessitating immediate surgical intervention.
- Pregnancy Loss: Miscarriage (before 20 weeks) and stillbirth (after 20 weeks) become more likely with opioid use.
- Preterm Delivery: Babies may be born too early, before 37 weeks, increasing their risk of developmental delays and other health problems.
- Stunted Growth and Low Birthweight: Poor prenatal growth can lead to ongoing health challenges after birth.
- Placental Issues: Problems with the placenta can deprive the baby of oxygen and nutrients, endangering both mother and child.
Strain on Mother and Baby: Beyond these direct health risks, opioid use can make it difficult for mothers to receive proper prenatal care, maintain healthy habits, or plan for the future. The stress, uncertainty, and physical toll of addiction can affect not only the mother’s well-being but also the baby’s chance for a healthy start in life.
Understanding these dangers highlights the importance of seeking help and guidance. With the right treatment and support, many mothers can overcome opioid use, protect their babies, and pave the way for a healthier, more hopeful future.
The Complexity of Opioid Use During Pregnancy
One of the greatest hurdles pregnant women face is the perception that quitting opioids should be simple. In reality, addiction is a medical condition, not a choice or a lack of willpower. While the desire to protect one’s baby is profound, stopping opioid use abruptly can be dangerous, leading to severe withdrawal symptoms that may harm both mother and baby.
Many pregnant women who struggle with opioid use disorder may also be coping with trauma, mental health conditions, unstable housing, or lack of social support. Without comprehensive, specialized care, it can feel impossible to break free from the cycle of substance use.
Stigma of Opioid Use and Pregnancy
Beyond the physical challenges, pregnant women with substance use disorders often face intense stigma and judgment—from healthcare providers, loved ones, and the broader community. Instead of receiving understanding and compassion, they may be met with blame, shame, or the fear of legal consequences. This stigma can discourage them from seeking the prenatal care and addiction treatment they desperately need, further compounding risks for both mother and baby. By acknowledging these struggles and offering respectful, trauma-informed support, we can create an environment where pregnant women feel safe, heard, and empowered to pursue recovery.
Finding Hope and Healing at Casa Flores
At Hanley Center’s Casa Flores, we understand the complexities that pregnant and postpartum women face when battling opioid addiction. We believe that every mother deserves compassionate, evidence-based support tailored to her unique needs—and that every baby deserves the best possible start in life.
Comprehensive, Trauma-Informed Care: Casa Flores takes a holistic approach to treatment, recognizing that pregnancy, addiction, and past trauma are deeply interconnected. Our clinical team includes medical professionals, therapists, and case managers who work together to create individualized care plans. Here, women receive medication-assisted treatment (MAT) to safely manage withdrawal and craving while preparing for a healthier pregnancy and childbirth experience.
Safe, Supportive Environment: The Casa Flores program offers a residential setting where expectant and new mothers can focus fully on healing. By removing external stresses, women have the opportunity to build a foundation of healthy habits, receive counseling, and connect with peer support. This environment also fosters early bonding between mother and baby, reinforcing the importance of nurturing attachment and emotional connection.
Ongoing Postpartum Support: Recovery does not end in the delivery room. After birth, mothers can remain in residence with their infants, continuing to receive specialized care, parenting guidance, and essential life skills training. This helps prevent foster care placement and ensures that families stay together whenever possible. At Casa Flores, we believe that keeping mother and child united supports a brighter, more stable future for both.
Breaking the Cycle of Generational Addiction
By treating the complexities of opioid use disorder in pregnancy, Casa Flores aims to break the cycle of addiction that often spans generations. Recovery during pregnancy and the postpartum period can pave the way for positive life changes: better health, stronger family bonds, and the potential to create a stable home environment. When a mother recovers, the ripple effect can extend to her child, their family, and the community at large.
Embracing Hope and a Brighter Future
While the dangers of opioids during pregnancy are serious, it’s crucial to remember that there is hope. With the right support, pregnant women facing opioid addiction can reclaim their lives and shape a healthier future for themselves and their babies. At Hanley Center’s Casa Flores, we offer more than treatment—we provide compassion, understanding, and the belief that recovery is possible.
If you or someone you love is struggling with opioid use during pregnancy, you’re not alone. Reach out to learn more about Casa Flores and how we can guide you toward a safer, healthier future. Healing is within reach and begins with taking the first brave step.
Hanley Center has been helping people all over the country achieve wellness for more than 40 years. In addition to providing age- and gender-specific treatment for substance use and co-occurring disorders, Hanley offers a Patriots Program for first responders and veterans, a program specifically for pregnant women, and a boutique residential mental health program for adults. For information on our programs, call us today: 561-841-1033.
