Heroin is a very addictive drug that crosses the placenta to the baby. Because this drug is so addictive, the unborn baby can become dependent on the drug.
How can heroin affect my unborn baby:
Heroin increases the chance of:
Premature birth
Low birth weight
Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia)
Breathing difficulties
Bleeding within the brain (intracranial hemorrhage)
Infant death
Babies can also be born addicted to heroin and can suffer from withdrawal symptoms:
Irritability
Convulsions
Fever
Diarrhea
Joint stiffness
Sleep abnormalities
Mothers who inject narcotics are more susceptible to HIV, which can be passed to their unborn child.
What if I am addicted to heroin and I am pregnant:
Treating an addiction to heroin can be complicated, especially when you are pregnant. Your health care provider may prescribe Methadone as a form of treatment.
It is best that you communicate with your health care provider so he or she can provide the best treatment for you and your baby.
