Parent Research Brief WIP

People feel all different emotions when they learn that they are pregnant. It is common to feel happy, excited, nervous, upset, worried, or even nothing at all. It is also common have multiple feelings. Some people decide they do not want to continue the pregnancy. Others decide they will continue the pregnancy but placed
their child for adoption. Some people are not sure which steps to take next. This is the case for all pregnant people, including people using substances and those in recovery. But some things about pregnancy and parenting are different for people using substances or in recovery. For example, some people find that once they learn that they are pregnant, they want to try to stop using substances. Substances refers to alcohol and/or drugs. Substance use becomes an issue when it starts to have harmful effects on someone's life. This could mean difficulties at home, school, or work.

Here you will find information about:

• finding support during pregnancy
• reducing your substance use if that is your goal
• reducing harm to yourself and the developing baby if
• you continue using substances
• how to prepare for safe and successful parenting

We know you are here because you want to do everything you can to help your baby thrive and grow up to be healthy and happy. You are the most important person in the whole world for your child, and one of the most important things that you can do is keep yourself healthy. Here we describe some ways that you can best take care of yourself and your baby. This section is written for people who plan to raise their baby, but anyone is welcome to read it.