Pregnancy is a good motivator for women to stop using recreational drugs (e.g. alcohol, tobacco, cannabis or other). Some women, even with the best intentions, find it hard to break their drug-using habit. There are many reasons why people use drugs and habits can be hard to break, particularly when it has a positive effect. It may, for example make you feel good or help you cope with life’s stresses. Yet there are even more reasons why you should quit and any time is a good time, especially in pregnancy.

Mater Mothers’ Hospital’s staff recommends you quit recreational drug use in pregnancy and in preparation for parenting baby. Being pregnant is a very happy time for most women, however life events (for example family stress, relationship issues, financial concerns, job commitments) continue and can distract from the pregnancy experience. Here are some ideas on how to prevent drug relapse during pregnancy and after baby’s birth.

Set a goal

You can try stopping altogether or you can cut down on how much you use and work your way towards abstinence. Decide what you want to do and set a timeframe, for example stopping within one week or one month. Write down this goal and put it where you can read it each day.

Reasons to use and reasons not to use

Write down why you use the drug and the good things about using (for example you like the effect, it helps you cope or energises you). Also write a list of the not-so-good effects from using (for example financial or health costs, after-effects, its affect on the pregnancy). Keep this list with your goal. (Try to think of more of the not-so-good effects.)

Stay motivated

Motivation levels can fluctuate. While you may be very motivated to quit while talking to your midwife you may find that at home you are not as motivated.

Be positive! Tell yourself "I can do this", "I want to do this". Take time each day (one or two five-minute sessions) to relax and clear your mind of distractions. Close your eyes and visualise yourself as a non-user; holding your baby and not being affected by drugs. Breathe deeply and slowly during this visualisation. Learn breathing techniques that can achieve a relaxed body and a calm, focused mind.

Strategies to help prevent relapse

Now think about what you need to do to achieve your goal. You may want to start with simple strategies that work for you. If you think you need some help with learning to remain drug-free, speak to your midwife or doctor who can refer you to an appropriate service.

Identify any obstacles that may block you from achieving your goal (e.g. friends dropping around or stress in your life) and what triggers your drug cravings (e.g. being lonely, bored, certain places, time of the day). Be aware of these triggers and avoid those that you can. Involve yourself in new and pleasurable activities—so that you do not get bored or lonely—that distract you from the cravings. Divert activities away from user-friends and get rid of any drugs, bottles or drug-utensils from around your house. See our list of suggestions on activities to prevent drug relapse during pregnancy and after baby’s birth.

Need to Detox?

For a small number of women regular drug use may result in them becoming physically tolerant (or dependent) on the drug. This means that when trying to stop these women may develop withdrawal symptoms or strong drug cravings.

If you experience withdrawal symptoms or drug cravings when you try to stop using drugs, talk to your midwife or doctor who can give you information and may refer you for an assessment for medical detoxification.

After baby is born—minimise the risk of relapse

Many women are confident that they will not re-start their drug use after their baby is born, but some women realise that for them, there is an ongoing risk of relapse. There are many community alcohol and drug services to which you can be linked, who can provide counselling and parenting support. Talk to your midwife or doctor regarding referral to a counselling and parenting support service.

If you are unsure about your risk of relapse, have a plan in place for when you find yourself confronted with the choice of using or not using drugs. This might include a telephone number of someone to talk to or making a commitment to yourself not to use opportunistically.

If you decide to use drugs you should firstly organise for someone you trust to care for baby and give yourself time to meet all of baby’s needs (e.g. having expressed breastmilk available to feed baby). Do not attempt to care for your baby while you are intoxicated or affected by alcohol or drugs.

Activities to Prevent Drug Relapse during Pregnancy and after Baby’s Birth:

• Attend regular antenatal (and postnatal) check-ups. Talk to your midwife or doctor about anything that is worrying you , they may reassure you
• Remember the simple things are really important, such as:
  • getting plenty of rest during the day 
  • a good night’s sleep 
  • maintaining good nutrition and hydration
• Maintain good mental health and a positive outlook
  • positive self talk "I can do this"
  • confidence check (look at your past achievements)
• Create a journal, scrap-book or photo album of your pregnancy (make it as fancy or as plain as you like)
• Check your pregnancy calendar to see baby’s growth
• Nurture positive relationships with others
• Re-socialise by joining a self-help group or local play-groups
• Join classes to learn new skills (e.g. art, cooking, craft)
• Learn to meditate or join a relaxation class
• Begin a gentle exercise program (after checking with your doctor)
• Talk to your baby (even before baby is born and certainly afterwards), share some of your favourite music together
• Prepare for baby by setting up the nursery, reading about parenting or enrolling in a parenting program
• Learn the importance of touch and play for baby
• Set yourself achievable goals only
• Learn ways to better manage your day but be aware that not all days run smoothly. You should plan, list and prioritise tasks
• Take time to enjoy being pregnant and quiet time for you when baby is born
• Develop a supportive network of family and friends and ask for help when you are tired or not coping
• Develop a smoke-free, drug-free and safe environment for baby
• Know that you are not alone. Child Health is an easily accessible, community health service that is free of charge and can provide baby-feeding advice and parenting support.