How to Safely Manage Substance Use Disorder When Planning Conception

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How do you feel now that you’ve decided to start or grow your family? Are your excitement and enthusiasm tempered by anxiety? 

Making this decision takes immense courage, especially now when people are delaying having kids due to rising expenses. 

But if you’re financially secure and ready to take that step, it’s the perfect time to also focus on your health, as this can soothe the anxieties inherent when brining a new life into the world. 

This becomes even more important if you (or your wife or partner) are managing a substance use disorder. 

Illicit drug use during pregnancy may cause preterm labor, miscarriage, birth defects, stillbirth, and cognitive and behavioral problems in babies. This is why you must give up substances when planning conception.

From Clinical Tree, here are a few meaningful steps you can take toward recovery while preparing for pregnancy.

#1 Loop in Your Healthcare Team Early

Talk to your healthcare provider early on, even before you’re pregnant. They can offer guidance tailored to your unique needs.  

Be honest about your current substance use situation and your plans to conceive. They can connect you with specialists who understand both addiction and pregnancy planning. There might be an addiction medicine doctor, a reproductive endocrinologist, or an obstetrician who specializes in high-risk pregnancies. 

They can also screen for any health issues that might need attention before pregnancy, like nutritional deficiencies or infections that sometimes accompany substance use.

Take alcohol, for instance. It’s one of the major causes of B Vitamins (B1 and B6) deficiency in the U.S. A lack of these nutrients can affect both brain health and fetal development. Identifying and addressing such deficiencies early on can lead to a healthy pregnancy. 

Your healthcare team will also discuss timing with you. Sometimes the safest approach is to achieve stable recovery before trying to conceive, while other situations might require a different strategy. Trust their expertise. 

#2 Consider a Medically Supervised Detox

Quitting substances cold turkey can be dangerous. A medically supervised detox is a safer alternative. In a supervised detox, a team of experienced doctors and nurses monitors individuals 24/7. They may prescribe medicines to reduce the severity of withdrawal symptoms, such as nausea and anxiety. 

Depending on your needs, you may go through detox at an inpatient facility or attend an outpatient program. These programs last anywhere from a few days to a couple of weeks. Many facilities offering these programs also accept insurance. 

United Healthcare (UHC) is an example. Its insurance plan offers coverage for a wide range of addiction treatment programs, including intensive detox services. 

You can easily find a leading detox that takes UHC insurance by searching online. Most will clearly display that they are in-network.

The Importance of Accessible Detox for Pregnant Populations

More than 100 centers in Arizona alone accept UHC insurance. The healthcare company offers AHCCCS (Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System) Complete Care plans for Arizonans. 

Purpose Healing Center notes that anyone between the ages of 19 and 64 without Medicare, besides pregnant women, can apply for this plan. 

AHCCCS also offers coverage for addiction treatment for unhoused clients. So, no matter your situation, help is within reach.

#3 Prioritize Nutrition, Sleep, and General Wellness

Addiction can disrupt your eating habits, leading you to consume too little food or make poor dietary choices that are low in essential vitamins and minerals. What’s more, the chemical substances themselves can actually make it tougher for your body to soak up the good nutrients you’re getting. 

Nourishing your body is important for overall health and fertility. Focus on a balanced diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein. Also, start a prenatal vitamin. 

Folic acid, for example, is very important. It helps prevent certain birth defects that can occur early in pregnancy, sometimes even before someone realizes they are expecting. 

Hydration as Part of Daily Practices When Expecting a Child

Drink plenty of water throughout the day so that your body can heal and function well. Quality sleep is also important for health and recovery. It helps manage stress and can improve fertility. Aim for at least seven hours of sleep each night. 

Regular physical activity can boost mood, reduce stress, and lessen cravings. Choose enjoyable activities, like walking, yoga, or gentle exercise. Starting slowly and gradually building up is a good approach. Exercise releases ‘feel-good’ hormones and can improve symptoms of depression and anxiety.

Paving the Path to a Healthy Future for You Both

Planning for conception while managing substance use is difficult. Remember to be kind and compassionate to yourself throughout this process. 

Every step you take towards health and well-being is a victory. You are strong and capable of building a healthy future. Just keep communicating with your healthcare team and lean on your support network. You’ll build a healthy future, one step at a time.