Denver's women-only program for mental health, trauma and substance use.Call Admissions 833.754.0554
Call 833.754.0554Verify Insurance

6 dangerous effects of maternal cocaine use

Clear information for a difficult and deeply personal moment

Understanding the risks of cocaine use during pregnancy can help you prepare for an honest conversation with prenatal and addiction care professionals.

Created by Tim Francis, SUD and Mental Health Content Specialist

Updated

You deserve respectful support, not judgment. If you are ready to discuss care, call Women’s Recovery at 833.754.0554 or ask someone you trust to sit with you while you make the call.

Plum armchairs beside a window table

Original article

Learning about cocaine’s effects on women and broader substance risks during pregnancy can help you consider for medical care.

Cocaine, a powerful stimulant drug, is derived from the coca plant native to South America. It is most commonly used as a recreational drug due to its ability to create feelings of euphoria, increased energy, and heightened mental alertness. However, the use of cocaine carries a high risk of addiction. This is largely because the drug triggers an intense but short-lived high, leading users to take more of the substance in a bid to prolong their experience,a pattern that can quickly lead to dependency. For those women who become pregnant, maternal cocaine can cause severe mental and physical health problems for both the mother and child.

Women’s Recovery in Colorado understands the challenges of addiction and offers women’s cocaine addiction treatment. If you are engaging in cocaine use during pregnancy, please reach out to us immediately by calling 833.754.0554.

Lounge with purple chairs, cream sofa and table

The Dangers of Maternal Cocaine Use

When a pregnant woman uses cocaine, she isn’t the only one who faces the risks associated with the drug. Cocaine can cross the placental barrier, meaning the fetus is also exposed to the harmful effects of the substance. The potential risks associated with cocaine use during pregnancy are numerous, including:

  1. Premature Birth – Cocaine use can trigger premature labor, resulting in a baby being born too early and underdeveloped.
  2. Low Birth Weight – Babies exposed to cocaine in the womb often weigh less than average at birth, which can lead to various health issues.
  3. Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS) – This is a group of problems a baby experiences when withdrawing from exposure to narcotics, including cocaine.
  4. Congenital Disabilities – Cocaine use during pregnancy can lead to physical abnormalities and developmental issues in the baby.
  5. Miscarriage or Stillbirth – Cocaine significantly increases the risk of miscarriage or stillbirth.
  6. Behavioral Issues – Children exposed to cocaine in the womb may exhibit behavioral problems and learning difficulties as they grow older.

Cocaine and pregnancy are not a good mix. If you are pregnant and using cocaine, we urge you to get the help you need right away. At Women’s Recovery, our treatment programs offer compassionate and comprehensive care to women struggling with substance abuse issues, making it easier for them to take control of their lives and become sober.

Lounge with purple chairs and dried flowers

Withdrawal and Treatment

Withdrawal from cocaine while pregnant can be challenging and potentially dangerous for both the mother and fetus. Symptoms can include the following:

  • Agitation
  • Depression
  • Fatigue
  • Intense cravings for the drug

However, expectant mothers can safely overcome addiction with appropriate medical supervision and support.

Treatment options available at Women’s Recovery in Colorado are specifically designed to help expectant mothers navigate the complexities of overcoming addiction while pregnant. The benefits of professional addiction treatment include medical supervision, therapy, peer support, and education on maintaining a healthy pregnancy while recovering from substance abuse.

We use a combination of evidence-based therapies and holistic approaches to create individualized treatment plans. Our trauma-informed, women-focused outpatient treatment programs offer hope and healing.

Plum chairs, table and flower painting

Reach Out to Women’s Recovery Today

If you’re an expectant mother struggling with cocaine addiction, remember there is help available. Don’t let addiction dictate the future of your child. Reach out to Women’s Recovery in Colorado today and take the first step towards a healthier future for both you and your unborn child.

Babies exposed to drugs in the womb, particularly cocaine, may exhibit a variety of symptoms that highlight the detrimental effects of maternal drug use. Our team of compassionate professionals understands the complexities of maternal cocaine use. We are ready to provide the support you need during this critical time. Your journey to recovery starts by calling 833.754.0554 or reaching out online.

Common questions

Explore articles on mental health and substance use and substance use care that sees the whole woman for related guidance. Call admissions when you want to discuss your own situation.

Call Admissions
01 Does cocaine use mean a pregnancy will have complications?

No individual outcome can be predicted from an association. Cocaine use during pregnancy is associated with serious concerns, including placental separation, premature membrane rupture, serious high blood pressure, miscarriage and preterm labor. A prenatal professional can evaluate your circumstances, and addiction support can help you consider next steps.

02 Why should I mention alcohol use as well as cocaine use?

Cocaine and alcohol react in the body to produce cocaethylene, which may increase their toxic effects on the heart. Telling a health professional about both substances provides important safety information. Share what you remember as honestly as possible, even if the timing or amount is uncertain.

03 Why is combining cocaine and opioids especially dangerous?

Cocaine’s stimulating effects can offset the sedating effects of an opioid, which may make the opioid’s impact less noticeable at first. Because cocaine wears off sooner, opioid overdose can follow. If opioids such as heroin or fentanyl may be involved, tell a health professional promptly.

04 Is there a treatment approach specifically supported for stimulant addiction?

Contingency management is a behavioral therapy that uses small incentives to support stopping drug use and renewed engagement with healthier activities. It has been shown to be especially effective for stimulant addiction, including cocaine and methamphetamine. Ask an addiction professional whether this approach is appropriate for your needs.

05 How can someone I love help me start this conversation?

You might consider them to listen while you name your biggest concern, helping name what matters, or sit with you during a call. They can support your choices without taking over. To begin a conversation with Women’s Recovery, call 833.754.0554 and share only what you are ready to discuss.

Evidence behind this page

Supporting health information

Read how we select health information sources and apply the Women’s Recovery editorial policy. These references provide general education and context; they do not establish an individual diagnosis, service, or treatment recommendation.

If you can't believe that yet, borrow my hope. Just long enough to find your own.

Women’s Recovery graduate

Start with one conversation. Tell us what you're carrying. We'll walk you through the next step and verify your benefits.