Episode 5: Substance Use During Pregnancy: Understanding Risks and Finding Support

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In this powerful episode of EMPOWERED Voices: Recovery to Resiliency, Dr. Farzad Kamyar and Amani Wilson tackle the often stigmatized topic of substance use during pregnancy. Joined by special guest Dr. Manijeh "MJ" Kamyar, they provide a compassionate, judgment-free discussion that combines medical expertise with personal experience.

Dr. MJ Kamyar brings her extensive expertise as a board-certified Maternal Fetal Medicine specialist at the High Risk Pregnancy Center in Las Vegas. Dr. Kamyar has dedicated her career to supporting women through complicated pregnancies with clear communication and compassionate care. Her passion for turning scary situations into positive experiences for parents makes her the perfect guest for this sensitive topic.

The episode explores critical aspects of prenatal care for those struggling with substance use disorders, offering evidence-based information on substance-specific risks while dispelling common misconceptions. The hosts and guest examine barriers to care—including legal concerns, social stigma, and fear of child removal—while highlighting successful integrated care models.

Dr. MJ shares valuable insights on pregnancy-safe treatment approaches, while Amani offers personal perspective on how pregnancy can serve as a powerful catalyst for recovery. This essential conversation provides resources and hope, emphasizing that recovery journeys can begin at any point during pregnancy with the right support systems in place.

Whether you're a healthcare provider, someone in recovery, or simply interested in understanding this important issue, this episode delivers practical information and inspiration with empathy and honesty.

If you live in Southern Nevada, in Reno, Carson City, Churchill County, or Lyon County in Northern Nevada, or in Weber County or Davis County in Utah, and you’re pregnant or recently had a baby and using opioids or stimulants for any reason, there is non-judgmental help available to you. No referral or insurance is required. Visit empoweredmoms.org for information or to request services.

If you live outside of these areas, we encourage you to find resources in your community.

EMPOWERED Voices is a podcast production of the EMPOWERED program at Roseman University College of Medicine, supported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Overdose Data to Action Grant through the Southern Nevada Health District. This project has been funded by grant number NH28CE003534 from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement, by the Southern Nevada Health District, CDC, or the U.S. Government.

Hosted by Dr. Farzad Kamyar, and Amani Wilson.

Executive Producers are Dr. Andria Peterson and Jason Roth, with production assistance by Rachel Mack.

Recorded at the Video Podcast Studio at Canico Media in Las Vegas, Nevada.