How does heroin abuse affect pregnant women?

Heroin abuse can cause serious complications during pregnancy, including miscarriage and premature delivery. Children born to addicted mothers are at greater risk of SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome), as well. Pregnant women should not be detoxified from opiates because of the increased risk of spontaneous abortion or premature delivery; rather, treatment with methadone is strongly advised. Although infants born to mothers taking prescribed methadone may show signs of physical dependence, they can be treated easily and safely in the nursery. Research has demonstrated also that the effects of in utero exposure to methadone are relatively benign.

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More About Heroin:

• What is heroin?
• What is the scope of heroin use in the United States?
• How is heroin used?
• What are the short-term effects of heroin use?
• What are the long-term effects of heroin use?
• What are the medical complications of chronic heroin abuse?
• How does heroin abuse affect pregnant women?
• Why are heroin users at special risk for contracting HIV/AIDS and hepatitis B and C?
• Tolerance, Addiction, and Withdrawal
• What are the symptoms of heroin withdrawal?
• Are there any other problems that can occur from heroin addiction?
• Where did methadone come from?
• How is methadone taken?
• What are methadone's adverse reactions?
• What are the symptoms of methadone overdose?
• What is methadone dependency?
• Personal stories of methadone withdrawal
• What are the dangers of methadone?
• Heroin Addiction Index

Drug Abuse Information:

• Ecstasy Abuse
• Methamphetamine/Speed Abuse
• Cocaine Abuse
• Heroin Abuse
• Marijuana Abuse
• Oxycontin Abuse
• Alcohol Abuse
• LSD Abuse
• PCP Abuse
• Ketamine Abuse
• Prescription Drug Abuse
• DXM Abuse
• GHB Abuse
• Drug Abuse Index

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