Pregnancy and Substance Use: A Harm Reduction Toolkit

11 Apr Pregnancy and Substance Use: A Harm Reduction Toolkit

It’s also important you reduce your caffeine and alcohol intake when detoxing during pregnancy. Both substances are detrimental to normal fetal development and may affect the growth of the child. While pregnancy is known to come with unique and sometimes odd cravings, it is important to do your best to eliminate processed food from your diet. They often contain artificial additives and preservatives that may overwhelm your detoxification systems and will ultimately affect your overall health.

1. Different fasting timetables aimed at weight loss and detoxification have now gained popularity, with people going without food for many hours – some as many as 72 hours.
2. More rehabilitation programs have begun to incorporate services for women who are pregnant.
3. The reason is that your fetus is very sensitive to changes in your body.
4. Nutrients are filtered via the placenta from mom to baby during pregnancy.

The fiber they provide sustains your energy longer than refined grains and helps prevent constipation, a common problem during pregnancy. Thankfully, detoxing while pregnant is not only possible but highly recommended. That is because the less exposure you and your child have to drugs, the better the outcome will be for both of you.

Talking to a healthcare provider is of immense importance and should be prioritized before starting any detox program. They also offer specific advice on the most appropriate detox methods for a safe pregnancy. When it comes to women’s health, pregnant women struggling with drug or alcohol addiction are especially vulnerable. That’s because pregnancy amplifies the stigma of a substance use disorder, which discourages women from seeking treatment and support. In addition, after you deliver your baby, some of the support you relied on may change.

Getting Clean While Pregnant

Once your doctor has created a plan for your drug detox while pregnant, you will get started. Detoxes can take anywhere from three to 10 days, depending on the recommended course of action. You may be provided certain medications to manage the side effects of withdrawal.

Safely Detoxing from Drugs While Pregnant

However, some women reject entering inpatient detox during pregnancy, although it is the safest way. In such situations, it is highly recommended to perform detox in an outpatient setting under proper medical supervision instead of cleaning out the system when pregnant at home. With such a wide range of adverse effects, natural detox while pregnant can be a dangerous and life-threatening strategy. Upon discovering that they are expecting, women may find it tempting and in the best interest of their baby to stop all drug use immediately and suddenly.

Some of the withdrawal medications used for regular patients can be harmful to a fetus. For women who choose to undergo drug detoxing while pregnant, it is essential to know what to expect. It is similar 14 ways to cure a headache without medication in many aspects to the treatment that regular individuals receive when they present to a treatment facility, though with more supervision and some differences in the medications being used.

Using Drugs While Pregnant: Find the Support You Need

Experts agree that it is better to use methadone or buprenorphine for people who are not already being treated with medications when they become pregnant. Much of the research that has been conducted on pregnant people who use drugs is problematic. It is difficult to determine if a single behavior or or drug causes a poor outcome. Many of the words used to describe drugs and people who use them are stigmatizing.

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Before you try weaning yourself off substances or quitting drugs cold turkey while pregnant, please contact a medical professional. An expecting mother who wants to stop using drugs of abuse should call top-rated drug rehabs in her vicinity and inquire whether mental physical and long-term effects of salvia use they offer detox programs for pregnancy. These programs should then be visited and compared to ensure that the mother feels safe and secure at the facility. The programs are generally designed to be private, confidential, and free from judgment.

However, you need to choose a safe detox plan supported by your health care provider in conjunction with a prenatal care plan. Grass-fed and hormone-free meat fall into the category of avoiding chemicals as they have also been shown to translate harmful chemicals to fetuses. Getting your healthy dose of protein as a pregnant woman is easier if you stick to range-free meat that is high in protein and low in saturated fat. Staying away from animal-based Vitamin A is recommended; instead you should get your Vitamin A and other daily nutrients from raw fruits and vegetables when possible. If raw isn’t an option, go for all-natural cold-pressed juices or lightly steamed veggies. There are many obstacles for pregnant women considering addiction treatment.

If you want to be 100% sure, alcohol test strips for human milk are available in drugstores. Even with a healthy, balanced diet, most pregnant people still need prenatal vitamins to get enough of the most important nutrients. It is important that you have enough calcium during your pregnancy to make sure your bones stay healthy. Some people find that group or individual therapy is helpful — especially when done with those who understand substance use and substance use disorders.