Is kratom use among pregnant and lactating individuals with substance use disorder?

Understanding Kratom Use Among Pregnant and Lactating Individuals with Substance Use Disorder
Kratom, derived from the leaves of the Mitragyna speciosa tree, has gained attention in recent years for its potential use as a natural remedy for pain relief and as an alternative to opioids. However, its use among pregnant and lactating individuals, particularly those with substance use disorder (SUD), raises significant concerns regarding safety and health implications.
Prevalence of Kratom Use in Pregnant and Postpartum Individuals
Recent studies indicate that the prevalence of kratom use among pregnant and postpartum individuals with SUD is not well-documented. A study aimed at understanding this demographic found that many pregnant and postpartum individuals receiving care reported using kratom during pregnancy or lactation, although the exact proportions remain unclear . This lack of comprehensive data highlights a critical gap in research, as understanding the motivations and patterns of use is essential for addressing potential health risks.
Reasons for Kratom Use
Pregnant women may turn to kratom for various reasons, including managing pain, anxiety, or depression, or as a means to alleviate opioid withdrawal symptoms. The opioid crisis has led many individuals, including pregnant women, to seek alternatives to traditional opioid medications, which can pose risks to both maternal and fetal health. Kratom’s opioid-like properties make it an appealing option for some, but the implications of its use during pregnancy are not fully understood.
Health Risks and Concerns
The health risks associated with kratom use during pregnancy and lactation are significant. Reports indicate that infants born to mothers who used kratom during pregnancy may exhibit withdrawal symptoms similar to those seen in opioid withdrawal. Additionally, there are concerns about potential liver toxicity and other adverse effects that could impact both the mother and child. While some case reports have documented withdrawal signs in infants, comprehensive studies on the long-term effects of prenatal kratom exposure are still lacking.
The Need for Further Research
Given the increasing use of kratom among individuals with SUD, particularly pregnant and lactating women, there is an urgent need for more research. Understanding the implications of kratom use in this population is crucial for developing effective treatment strategies and ensuring the safety of both mothers and their children. Health care providers must be equipped with accurate information to guide their patients in making informed decisions about substance use during pregnancy and lactation.
In conclusion, while kratom may be perceived as a safer alternative to opioids by some pregnant individuals with substance use disorder, the potential risks and lack of comprehensive research necessitate caution. As the conversation around kratom continues to evolve, it is imperative that both healthcare professionals and patients remain informed about the possible consequences of its use during such critical periods.

What are the most commonly abused substances during pregnancy?

Substance Use During Pregnancy

• Alcohol. Alcohol use during pregnancy increases the risk of miscarriage, stillbirth, and newborn death.
• Tobacco. If you’re pregnant, you should avoid smoking, as well as exposure to secondhand smoke, both for your own health and for that of your developing baby.
• Opioids.

Which drugs are contraindicated in pregnancy and lactation?

ANSWER: Only a few drugs pose a clinically significant risk to breastfed babies. In general, antineoplastics, drugs of abuse, some anticonvulsants, ergot alkaloids, and radiopharmaceuticals should not be taken, and levels of amiodarone, cyclosporine, and lithium should be monitored.

Which category of drugs should be avoided during pregnancy?

Your doctor will let you know which medications are safe to take and when.

• Certain antidepressants.
• Lithium for bipolar disorder.
• Phenytoin (Dilantin) for seizures.
• Certain cancer chemotherapies.
• Fluconazole (Diflucan) for yeast infections.
• Albuterol (Ventolin) for asthma.

Which medication for opioid use disorder reduces the risk to the pregnant woman and fetus by stabilizing opioid levels?

Both methadone and buprenorphine treatment during pregnancy: stabilize fetal levels of opioids, reducing repeated prenatal withdrawal.

Which medication is the gold standard for treating opioid dependence in pregnancy?

Methadone maintenance therapy is the gold standard for treating opioid dependence in pregnancy.

What is the leading cause of pregnancy-related deaths?

Cardiovascular conditions, obstetric hemorrhage, and self-harm or unintentional harm are important causes of pregnancy-related deaths; significant inequities exist between non-Hispanic black and non-Hispanic white women. The majority of pregnancy-related deaths are preventable.

What is the rate of substance use disorders in pregnancy?

Estimates suggest that about 5 percent of pregnant women use one or more addictive substances. Regular use of some drugs can cause neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS), in which the baby goes through withdrawal upon birth.

Can cannabinoids pass through breast milk?

Components of cannabis can stay in the body after use and pass to your baby. Cannabis is broken down in the body. Some parts are stored in the body and can pass onto your baby during pregnancy and through human milk, both while you are using and weeks later.

Is kratom safe for breastfeeding moms?

Pregnant or breastfeeding women who are using Kratom are encouraged to inform their healthcare providers and they should wean off these products.

What drugs should be avoided during lactation?

Drugs contraindicated during breastfeeding include anticancer drugs, lithium, oral retinoids, iodine, amiodarone and gold salts. An understanding of the principles underlying the transfer into breast milk is important, as is an awareness of the potential adverse effects on the infant.