In the middle of an ongoing pandemic, world statistics on Drug Abuse have witnessed a sudden surge, especially during pregnancy. More than 50% of women are found to develop drug addiction to deal with emotional stress. Drug abuse during pregnancy can cause complications, not only for pregnancy but for the fetus as well. If you are already down the wrong lane, all it requires is realization and timely consultation.
Toxic Substances
Drug Abuse, Addiction, and even hasty withdrawal can prove fatal to the life of a fetus. Many toxic substances can either be transmitted to the baby directly through the mother or carried through breastfeeding. It can have serious health repercussions:
- It can prove to be hazardous to maternal health, causing unhealthy anxiety, premature delivery, placental problems, fluctuating blood pressure, heavy postpartum bleeding, and various infections that can even lead to death.
- It can make it a troubled birth; in the form of stillbirth, premature delivery, Respiratory distress syndrome, or poor fetal growth.
- Hasty withdrawal can cause temporary symptoms in babies. Common symptoms include breathing problems, low birth weight, delayed development, and vision problems.
- Continued usage of Drugs and addiction thus developed can have life-long and even more fatal impacts on babies. Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome, Fetal Alcohol Syndrome, Down Syndrome, Trisomy21, and various sensory impairments can result from an unhealthy abuse of drugs during pregnancy.
How to Have a Safe Way towards Detox?
Care needs to be taken when going for detox while still being pregnant. 7 Safety Concerns must be kept in mind while going for a detox.
Awareness and Realization
To identify the problem, essential information is required. The source of information thus trusted must be authentic. Raising awareness among intoxicant pregnant females is a crucial safety concern so as not to cause depression and engage them in the Treatment.
Identifying the symptoms
Certain symptoms indicate a person’s addiction:
- Consuming more than usual and optimal amount of drugs.
- Not being able to avoid or overcome the craving.
- Hiding it from Social Circle
- Developing withdrawal symptoms
Diagnosis
Careful diagnosis is a prerequisite for safe Treatment. Therefore identifying the symptoms of Drug addiction is not enough. Drug abuse varies depending upon its type and level of intensity; the Type of drug used, method of intake, and frequency of intake mark the right diagnosis. Assessing all of these parameters, along with the medical condition of the intoxicant, leads to safe Treatment.
Confronting Possible Side-effects
If not managed carefully, Withdrawal and Treatment can prove to be as dangerous as the abuse itself. Mishandled cases are found to develop seizures and tremors, poor coordination, hearing, and vision impairments. It can also lead to physical and mental health issues; which can lead to premature delivery.
Medications and Medical supervision
Considering the complication of the issue, it requires proper medical supervision to manage case-specific Treatment. Consultation with the gynecologist and coordinated efforts are required. Similarly, care must be taken with the sort of medications used to reduce cravings or minimize aftereffects.
Certain medicines have proved to be effective, but medical consultation is a must:
- Methadone
- Buprenorphine
- Antidepressants
- Benzodiazepines
Taking Care of the Mental Health
Pregnancy involves a lot of emotional stress, which makes women go for drugs as a cope-up mechanism. Therefore, providing suitable and comfortable escape is required, for instance, dealing with untimely and unhealthy cravings, mood swings, and anxiety. In addition, mental health issues can impact physical well-being as well as the progress of Treatment as a whole.
Avoid Quitting
Most crucial of all the safety concerns is the continuation of Treatment; most patients can’t help quitting owing to mental issues and cravings. Therefore proper supervision is required for a comfortable and complete escape.
