By Phillip Ryan–
Pregnancy is a long delicate time for expecting mothers. May it be intentional or an unplanned pregnancy, it is important for these women to take care of their over-all health to benefit them and their unborn child. Women are also expected to shy away from alcoholic drinks and avoid taking unnecessary pills that can cause harm in the natural development of the fetus in their wombs.
In some cases, the former are subjected to drug tests during their pregnancy. One reason as to why pregnant women are being required to comply is because of the increasing number of the women population using drugs during their prenatal period. If an expecting mother continues to use during pregnancy, a child can possibly be born suffering withdrawal symptoms.
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Ashley, a recovering addict from Louisville, thanked God she didn’t pass something to her children when she was using during her pregnancy. She also wished that they’ve required her for drug screening during her prenatal care, thinking that if she had gone to treatment sooner, she would have been able to quit earlier. As mentioned in USA Today, Ashley is now on her way to full recovery and on her way to gaining custody of her baby.
The risks that substance abuse can cause during pregnancy still depends on what specific drug(s) is used, how much is being consumed, the frequency, and the stage of pregnancy it is used. In general, substance abuse at any stage of pregnancy can cause miscarriage, birth defects, premature birth, stillbirth, drug-dependency in the infant, low birth weight, small size, and sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).
During the early stages of pregnancy, from germinal stage to embryonic period, a fetus starts to develop heartbeat. Even a single use of drugs at this stage can affect the development of the baby, causing birth defects to miscarriage. In the final stage of pregnancy – fetal stage starts two months after conception until birth – drug use can cause immune deficiency and health related shortfalls. If the mother continues to abuse drugs after birth, the chemicals can still be passed through breast feeding endangering the health of the child.
Increasing cases of drug use during pregnancy greatly alarms the health care facilities. Drug testing is being pushed forward to ensure the safety of the unborn child and the mother. Child protective services also have been involved since they are against the violation towards the younger generation.
Increasing cases of drug use during pregnancy greatly alarms the health care facilities. Drug testing is being pushed forward to ensure the safety of the unborn child and the mother. With all this concerns, pregnant women are asked to undergo recovery programs that vary from their needs and trimester. Though the circumstances are different, expecting mothers are given the same options common substance abusers had been given. Special doctors and OB/GYNs assist the detox process to ensure the safety of the mother and child, and to guarantee that the abusive substances are eliminated in the system of the expecting mother.
Recommendations of recovery services are suggested after the detox process and childbirth to prolong and establish commitment to sobriety. Acknowledgement of suffering from addiction is the first step then seeking help is the next. The help comes on forms of recovery programs and treatment services to teach and help them how to cope with withdrawal symptoms, to look for the root cause of their addiction, and to participate in support groups to make them feel that there are people who go through the same struggles in life, just like them. It is important for them to feel safe and protected. In return, they would be honest and do better for their growing family.
Phillip Ryan is an editorial writer at Substance Abuse Recovery for almost three years. His expertise is to provide readers insights about the current development in the field of substance abuse, its niche, and the possible solutions to its problems. He believes that the power of information dissemination in the internet is faster than in print, he devoted himself to write and serve the online community even without compensation.
1 thought on “Drug Testing of Pregnant Women: The Merits”
Its horrible for a pregnant woman to use any kind of drug due to the damage to their child.