SUBSTANCE USE AND PREGNANCY

Recently when taking an early evening brisk walk, I saw a heavily pregnant woman who was extremely drunk and had a staggering gait. This article will thus reflect on substance and pregnancy in light of the encounter. Although men have always shown significant numbers of substance use, it is worth mentioning that on account of recent studies women are increasingly using substances as well. According to the Centre of Behavioral Statistics and Quality, 19.5 million of women of ages of 18 years and older used an illicit drug in 2016.

There is documented evidence that women use substances during pregnancy; the common ones include tobacco, alcohol and marijuana. There is no local evidence but a study in South Africa indicated that 3.6 and 8.8 % women used illicit substances like methamphetamine and cannabis whilst 19.6 % used alcohol.

When women use substances, they most often than not experience telescoping whereby progression to dependence is fast tracked. This phenomenon has been observed on women using opioids, marijuana and alcohol. This is one of the reasons that heightens the risks of substance use in pregnancy.

There are far reaching consequences of using alcohol during pregnancy. Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders that impact on brain development and result in brain defects are the most documented effects of alcohol use during pregnancy. Stillbirth and prematurity are other problems linked to alcohol use in pregnancy.

Marijuana is one illicit drug that some pregnant women use and it has been seen to contribute to the risk of still births. Additionally,

exposure to marijuana is documented to result in children born having behavioural problems and poor attention span.

Some women may go through abstinence during the course of pregnancy and only to relapse immediately after giving birth.

A relapse means that one has to go back to use of the substance which is also not ideal in instances of breastfeeding as it may be passed onto the child through breast milk.

Dealing with substance use often calls for individuals to come forth in seeking help as some conceal the use during prenatal checks only for newly born to be delivered with complications. Pregnant women whom are using drugs and substances can seek help from addiction professionals in various mental health centres across the country.