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Pregnancy Health & Support Services

A healthy pregnancy begins with a healthy mother. During pregnancy, alcohol, drugs, tobacco, and certain medications can create significant risks for both you and your developing baby. South Central Louisiana Human Services Authority (SCLHSA) provides priority access and specialized support for pregnant women seeking help with substance use, mental health concerns, or stress during pregnancy.

Understanding the Risks

Pregnancy and Drug Use

Pregnancy can change how your body responds to drugs and alcohol, making substance use more dangerous than usual. Risk include:

  • Miscarriage or stillbirth

  • Premature birth

  • Birth defects, including neurological and physical abnormalities

  • Developmental delays and learning disabilities

  • Low birth weight

  • Behavioral problems

  • Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS)

  • Newborn withdrawal symptoms lasting days or weeks

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Paternal substance use can also affect sperm quality and may expose the mother and baby to harmful environments or infections.

Pregnancy and Smoking

Pregnancy and Opioid Pain Medications

Smoking during pregnancy increases the risk of:

  • Preterm delivery

  • Stillbirth

  • Low birth weight

  • SIDS

  • Ectopic pregnancy

  • Orofacial clefts in infants​

Opioid medications (such as oxycodone, hydrocodone, codeine, and morphine) can pose serious risks during pregnancy, including:

  • Neonatal Opioid Withdrawal Syndrome (NOWS)​

  • Neural tube defects

  • Congenital heart defects

  • Gastroschisis

  • Stillbirth

  • Preterm delivery

 

Always consult with your healthcare provider before starting or stopping any medications during pregnancy.

If you are struggling with alcohol, drugs, nicotine, or prescription medication use, confidential help is available.

Doctor Consultation Meeting

Support Available Through SCLHSA

South Central Louisiana Human Services Authority provides comprehensive services to support pregnant women and families.

 

Pregnant women receive preference in admission for all substance use treatment services.

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Our Services Include:

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  • Clinical Screening & Assessment - Immediate assessment to determine the safest and most effective care plan for you and your baby.

  • Substance Use Treatment - Outpatient and intensive outpatient treatment designed specifically to support pregnant women in stabilizing and improving health outcomes.

  • Mental Health Counseling - Evaluation and counseling for stress, depression, anxiety, or other emotional challenges during pregnancy.

  • MOUD (Medication for Opioid Use Disorder) Referrals - Referral and linkage to evidence-based MOUD services for individuals with opioid use disorder during pregnancy. MOUD supports stabilization, reduces withdrawal risks, and promotes safer outcomes for both mother and baby.

  • Care Coordination & Case Management - Assistance with navigating prenatal care, social services, insurance, transportation, and community resources.

  • Postpartum Support - Ongoing counseling, relapse-prevention planning and parenting support after delivery.

Why Seek Help Through SCLHSA?

  • Priority access for pregnant women seeking substance use treatment

  • Confidential, evidence-based, and non-judgemental services

  • Strong partnerships with healthcare providers, hospitals, and community organizations

  • Services available regardless of ability to pay

  • Comprehensive support from pregnancy through postpartum recovery

You are not alone. SCLHSA is here to help you build a healthier future for yourself and your baby.

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