Methamphetamine and Pregnancy

Methamphetamine is a horrible street drug being used across America. It is one of the most quickly addictive and highly damaging drugs around. Meth addiction in a pregnant woman hurts two lives. Let’s take a look at some of the problems a pregnant woman can expect if she uses meth.

Meth Harms Women’s Health

Meth does many things to harm a woman’s health. “Meth mouth” is the rapid decay of the teeth. Meth causes dry mouth, cravings for sugar, teeth clenching, and poor dental hygiene. This can make it difficult to eat well, and important responsibility during pregnancy.

Drug addiction leads to a fairly unhealthy lifestyle. Irregular eating, irregular sleep, an increased chance of being a risky situation, and an impaired ability to plan ahead. Considering what a mother must do to provide a healthy environment for her child, meth addiction puts everyone at risk.

Meth Addiction Harms Babies

Meth can also harm an unborn baby in several ways. It can affect the development of major organs such as the heart, lungs, liver, and brain. Meth also increases a baby’s risk of being born with birth defects such as clubfoot or cleft palate. A baby may also have difficulty breathing when it is first born, which can increase a baby’s risk of dying as an infant.

A study from Canada has shown possible risk to an unborn baby from just one meth use. While further research needs to be done firm such a risk, that research finding shows the stunning impact methamphetamine can have.

Drug Treatment Gives Pregnant Meth Addicts Hope

Drug treatment is absolutely essential for an addicted pregnant woman or an addicted woman who has a strong chance of becoming pregnant soon. No child should have to pay such a high price for someone else’s addiction. Pregnant women who go through drug treatment do more than just help themselves. They ensured that they will be prepared to give their baby a safe home. They can also protect their baby against any more meth going through their system.

All-female drug rehab centers are ideal for pregnant women with meth addiction. The nurturing environment can help her understand what her baby needs.  New mothers need help caring for themselves as well.  a pregnant woman addicted to meth may feel like she’s totally alone in the world. A close circle of caring women is the best place she could be before having her baby. If you know a pregnant woman needing drug rehab for meth addiction, contact your local drug rehab center and get information to her right away. You could be saving two lives by getting the facts.

Photo credit: gregoryjameswalsh