Substance Misuse while Pregnant
If you are pregnant or trying to become pregnant and struggling with substance use disorder, please know that help is available. The first and most important step is to seek prenatal care. Being honest with your provider about any substance use, including any prescribed medications, will help them work with you to decide the best method of treatment.
Continued use of opioids, alcohol, marijuana, and other illicit substances, tobacco and nicotine products can have devastating outcomes for a mother and her baby.
Potential risks of substance use during pregnancy can include:
- Ectopic pregnancy
- Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR)
- Placenta previa
- Placental abruption
- Premature rupture of membranes
- Low birth weight
- Congenital anomalies
- Infant mortality
- Respiratory, gastrointestinal, and metabolic disease in infant
Click on a Risk to see its description.
If you have concerns about controlling your substance use, consider completing the Tobacco, Alcohol, Prescription medication, and other Substances Tool (TAPS). For each substance, the screening will provide a “risk level,” which indicates the likelihood of a substance use disorder. This screening does not provide a diagnosis nor does it replace assessment by a clinical professional.
Knoxville/Knox County Substance Misuse Resources
All4Knox: A joint substance misuse response initiative of Knox County and the City of Knoxville. See a list of resources here: https://all4knox.org/need-help/. View the All4Knox Recovery Housing Guide here: https://all4knox.org/pdfs/All4KnoxRecoveryHousingGuide.pdf.
River Valley Health: Provides integrated care for substance use disorders including specialized prenatal, postpartum and pediatric care for pregnant women dealing with substance misuse. Info: 1-866-231-4477.
Helen Ross McNabb Center: Provides mental health, addiction treatment, social services and victim services for children, adolescents, adults and families. Info: 1-800-255-9711.
Knox County Health Department’s Substance Misuse Response Division: KCHD employs substance use navigators, who are trained in identifying needs and connecting you to community resources. Our team is available on a walk-in basis at 140 Dameron Ave. or available from 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Monday-Friday at 865-215-5355.
Metro Drug Coalition: A non-profit organization that provides harm reduction programs, recovery support services, education and more. Info: 865-588-5550.
TN REDLINE: This resource provides 24/7 substance abuse treatment referrals. Anyone can call 800-889-9789 for confidential referrals.