How To Detox During Pregnancy

Addictions do not discriminate. This means that any individual can develop either a drug addiction or an alcohol addiction at some point during their lives. However, there are some situations where addictions are more high risk. This includes during pregnancy. Dealing with addiction during pregnancy comes with a range of potential health concerns for both the mother and the foetus.

For this reason, it is recommended that pregnant individuals undergo an addiction detox in order to reduce the risks associated with using substances during gestation. However, drug and alcohol detox are often uncomfortable and difficult processes. This can be exacerbated during pregnancy. It is important to be aware of the risks linked with using substances whilst pregnant, as well as to understand what detoxing during gestation may look like.

The impact of substances during pregnancy

During pregnancy, pregnant individuals are typically advised to refrain from particular substances. This can include drinking alcohol or smoking. There have even been suggestions in the past that particular types of foods should be avoided due to their unpasteurized nature. However, what may be discussed less frequently is the impact of perinatal substance abuse. This occurs when a substance use disorder is present during pregnancy.

In the US, 8.5% of pregnant individuals reported drinking alcohol in a 2012 survey. 5.9% of pregnant individuals reported using illicit drugs during their pregnancy.

The most commonly used substances during pregnancy include:

• Tobacco
• Alcohol
• Cannabis
• Cocaine
• Opioids

Whilst the majority of these substances are recreational, it is possible that some pregnant individuals will be taking prescription opioids as analgesics or maybe, in some cases, using CBD products to manage health concerns. Other potentially harmful prescription substances include barbiturates and amphetamines. If you are using any of these substances whilst pregnant, it is important to seek medical advice on your specific situation.

In terms of illicit or recreational drugs, the medical advice will always be to try and reduce your use of substances when and where possible. This is because using recreational drugs during pregnancy can heighten the risk faced by both the foetus and the pregnant individual themselves. In this context, a drug detox will likely be recommended.

Impact on pregnant individuals

Perinatal substance abuse carries the following physical risks:

• Miscarriage
• Stillbirth
• Anaemia
• Blood and heart infections
• Skin infections
• Hepatitis
• Cravings and withdrawals
• Generally feeling unwell
• Changes in appetite
• Changes in sleep pattern
• Aches and pains
• High blood pressure
• Premature membrane rupture
• Placental abruption

Most recreational drugs have some form of psychotropic effect; this means that they affect the way that our brains function.

During pregnancy, these effects may be heightened, potentially leading to:

• Intense periods of anxiety and paranoia
• Increased stress
• Periods of psychosis (experiencing hallucinations and delusions)
• Impaired decision-making and impulse control
• Periods of depression
• Suicidal ideation
• Psychosocial struggle

All of these experiences can endanger the health of the pregnant individual, as these symptoms can increase the likelihood of a person coming to harm – either through accident and injury or through ill-advised action.

Impact on foetus

Many illicit substances are teratogenic. According to medical professionals, ‘A drug is a teratogen if its administration to the pregnant mother, directly or indirectly, causes a structural change in the foetus or child.’ Teratogens can mean that the foetus develops differently in utero. This is because the foetus can be exposed to the substances used by the pregnant individual in utero – as blood, oxygen and nourishment is passed through the umbilical cord and placenta, teratogens can be distributed in utero in the same way.

This can have a range of repercussions, including:

• Foetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASDs)
• Neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS)
• Neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome (NOWS)
• Increased risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDs)
• A range of developmental or intellectual disabilities
• Low birth weight
• Stillbirth
• Miscarriage
• Facial differences
• Poor coordination
• Lower IQ
• Delays with speech and language
• Difficulties with memory and attention
• Heart, bone, or kidney conditions

Dealing with detox: Practical advice

If you are planning on undergoing a medical detox to reduce your substance use during pregnancy, the best method to do this is by:

• Contact your primary care clinician (midwife, GP, care team)
• Contact a specialist addiction provider to access rehab support
• Do not stop using substances immediately without medical support – instead, try to reduce the amount you are using steadily
• Access support groups
• Speak to your family and friends to strengthen your support network
• Practice mindfulness
• Try and refrain from drinking alcohol and caffeine or using nicotine
• Be honest with your medical team
• Try and eat a balanced diet where possible
• Try and stay as well rested as possible
• Try and reduce your exposure to stressful situations where possible
• Increase your water intake
• Take recommended medications to ease symptoms
• Take steps to ensure you have safe living arrangements to foster your sobriety

Potential risks

One of the key risks associated with detoxing at any stage – but perhaps especially during pregnancy – is the risk of withdrawal symptoms. Withdrawal symptoms happen as our bodies adjust to functioning in the absence of specific drugs. These can lead to a range of side effects, including:

• Sickness
• Aches and pains
• Shakes or tremors
• Chills or high temperature
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Irritability
• Feeling quick to anger

Detoxing in a rehab context can often mean that you have increased access to both emotional and physical support when and where needed. This can reduce the discomfort experienced during detox but also help manage any temporary risks linked to an unsteady mental and physical state that can occur in this phase.

Seeking professional support

It can be daunting to access support for substance use at any stage of life, but it may feel additionally challenging during pregnancy. However, drug and alcohol detoxing are medical treatments available to everyone regardless of their situation. Detoxification is a clinical process that should be provided professionally and sensitively regardless of context. You deserve to enter the next stage of your life free from the weight of substance addiction.