Question

women's alcohol and drug use during pregnancy can have harmful consequences for both women and their babies. You may be surprised to know that for opioid dependent pregnant women, opioid maintenance therapy (methadone or buprenorphin) is recommended during pregnancy. the Krans, 2015 article has some background information. 1. What are the reasons that opioid maintenance rather than quitting "cold turkey" is recommended for opioid dependent pregnant women? 2. What are some barriers that prevent pregnant women (compared to non-pregnant women) from seeking treatment for opioid addiction? 3. In what specific ways may babies who are born addicted to opioids present additional challenges compared to babies who are not addicted to opioids? 4. What do you think about the "No baby unhugged" program?

Answer 1

1. Opioid abuse has struck the United States heavily. More than one opioid for each American has been prescribed in the year 2012. It causes an immense effect on the baby and thus opioid maintenance is recommended for opioid-dependent pregnant women.

2. Main barriers are the misguided policy approaches resulting from a fundamental misunderstanding of the chronicity of addiction. The calls for the need to provide ongoing treatment for addiction disorders with both medical and psychosocial interventions.

3. Babies born to mothers who have problems with drugs aren’t born addicted, but the babies can be born with drugs in their system. This can cause them a great deal of discomfort. Once the supply of drugs (delivered through the mother’s umbilical cord) goes away, babies can experience painful withdrawal symptoms and other health problems.

In newborns, this type of withdrawal is called neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS). NAS can be caused by exposure to many different drugs. It’s especially challenging for babies born to mothers who use opioids, including prescription pain relievers or heroin.

4. I think it is a really great initiative as in modern times incubators are being used a lot. And it is always a good idea to make a baby feel the warm touch of love from parents.