Alcohol abuse is dangerous to any person. During pregnancy, it can impact both the mother and child in significant ways. That’s why seeking help immediately for addiction is critical. Long-term recovery is possible, and our team at Georgia Addiction Treatment Center can offer guidance and support to those who need it during this important time.
How Does Alcohol Abuse Impact an Unborn Child?
During pregnancy, everything that a mother consumes travels to the unborn child. If a mother abuses alcohol while pregnant, those toxins flow to the baby and can create numerous health risks. These may include:
- Low birth weight
- Miscarriage (fetus dying prior to 20 weeks)
- Premature birth
- Birth defects including heart-related defects, hearing problems, lung problems
- Stillbirth (child dies after the 20th week)
Fetal alcohol spectrum disorders are also common. This disorder causes the child to have abnormal features or development. That includes a smaller head, being shorter than peers, having a low birth weight, which may contribute to health problems, and having a smooth ridge between the upper lip and nose. Some children also struggle with physical ailments such as hearing or vision problems, kidney damage, or skeletal malformations.
Children with fetal alcohol spectrum disorder are also more likely to have behavioral issues, including hyperactivity. They may have learning disabilities, trouble with speech, language delays, and trouble with attention.
Alcohol Abuse and Pregnancy
A woman struggling with alcohol abuse may suffer significant concerns to health and mental wellbeing as well. That may include struggling with poor nutrition, which may contribute to a decline in overall health. The development of kidney and liver damage is possible. Many women who struggle with addiction are also susceptible to mental health disorders as a direct outcome of alcohol abuse. That may lead to symptoms of passive-aggressiveness, paranoia, and anxiety.
Getting Help for Alcohol Abuse During Pregnancy
It is possible to get help for alcohol abuse while pregnant. A women’s rehab program has the tools and resources necessary to help with pregnancy needs along with addiction. This provides an opportunity for the individual to receive one-on-one therapy and help with life skills.
Pregnant women need comprehensive support during this process. That may include:
- Support for breaking dependence safely
- Nutritional support
- Mental health disorder support
- Aid in building life skills for herself and/or the child
- Therapy for past trauma
- Resources to help with planning for long-term needs
In a women’s rehab, she can discuss her situation and get help with specific needs. This may include steps such as improving decision-making skills and controlling negative thought patterns that contribute to addiction. Many women struggling with alcohol abuse need supportive structures and peers to provide encouragement. Group therapy can help with this in treatment. Individual counseling provides opportunities to create plans, develop strategies for relapse triggers, and help with decision-making for the baby and mother.
Where Do You Stand with Alcohol Abuse?
Continued use of alcohol during pregnancy puts both at risk for health complications and mental health disorders. Yet, treatment is available during this time. A women’s rehab program, like what we offer at Georgia Addiction Treatment Center, can provide all of the tools and resources necessary to help women to get the care needed.
Our treatment options start today. To find out what we can offer to you, request information on our programs, including:
- Partial hospitalization program
- Intensive outpatient program
- Community housing support
- Outpatient treatment programs
Find the Support You Need at Georgia Addiction Treatment Center
Our women’s rehab program provides comprehensive support and guidance for those managing pregnancy and alcohol abuse. There’s never been a better time to seek out help than today. Call Georgia Addiction Treatment Center today at [Direct] or connect with us online for the help you need.
