Table of Contents
Introduction
More and more people are turning to kratom for pain relief when traditional medications no longer work. Pregnant women need to know the effects kratom has on their babies.
If you are pregnant and looking for natural ways to relieve your morning sickness, you might be wondering if there is a safe alternative to medication. Kratom is one of the most common remedies that pregnant women have used in the past, and it has helped to help with nausea and anxiety, but should you be using this substance during pregnancy and breastfeeding?
So, there are many things to consider when it comes to pregnancy. This blog article will discuss one of those things: Kratom.
It is a psychoactive drug purchased in powder, oil, and capsule forms. It can be used as an opiate substitute and has analgesic effects.
So, in this article, we’ll explore the effects of kratom on pregnancy and breastfeeding and provide some information about side effects. So, don’t buy kratom before knowing how it affects you!
Understanding Kratom
Kratom is a tree that you can find in Southeast Asia, primarily Thailand and Malaysia. It is an herbal product usually made from the leaves of the Mitragyna Speciosa tree. Its benefits include sedating, toning and stimulating effects, and stimulating appetite and mood. There are different types of this plant with varying impacts on the body.
It consists of leaves that are dried and consumed as tea. The plant leaves contain alkaloids that activate opioid receptors, usually blocked by naturally occurring opioids (such as endorphins).
The effects of kratom come from “mitragynine,” an alkaloid found in the plant’s leaves. The results of this alkaloid include mild sedation, muscle relaxation, pain relief, and stimulation (though it might be hallucinogenic).
The leaves are usually smoked or chewed for their mood-enhancing effects, though many use it in conjunction with opiates such as heroin and morphine.
It comes from Thailand and Malaysia, used as a stimulant. Thai people claim that it improves their productivity, while Malaysian people use kratom to relax after long working hours.
Pregnancy And General Health Cautions
Pregnancy in a woman’s life is when she needs to eat healthily and get enough rest, but it can also be a time when she must exercise caution when it comes to her health.
It would help if you took a healthy diet and regular exercise during pregnancy. The fetus requires nutrients to grow and develop properly. Women who have an eating disorder or eat very little should avoid eating or drinking anything while pregnant.
Various health concerns arise during pregnancy, some more common than others. Following are some things you should know during this period:
- You can’t just go on as usual if you have developed gestational diabetes. You will need to change your diet and your lifestyle.
- Avoid overeating salt during pregnancy because it can lead to high blood pressure in the mother, damaging the kidneys and heart.
- Follow all recommendations from your doctor about resting during pregnancy.
- Kratom consumption causes the hyperemesis gravidarum (HG), which is essentially severe vomiting, dehydration, nausea, and abdominal cramping that could lead to liver failure in extreme cases.
Is Kratom Useful For Pregnancy And Breastfeeding?
Kratom is an herb that people use in various cultures around the world. Another word is Mitragyna Speciosa.
There are countless uses for kratom. Some of the common names for kratom are Mitragyna Speciosa Leaf (Mitragyna speciosa), Maeng Da (Ketum), Red Vein Thai (Mitraphylline). In Southeast Asia, it is a tree in the same family as coffee and grows in Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, Myanmar, and Papua New Guinea. It has various alkaloids, making it a popular herbal drug and a recreational drug.
Kratom sounds like a plant people take to boost their energy, reduce pain, or reduce anxiety and depression. Some have used kratom as a natural way to ease withdrawal symptoms because it can cause euphoria. Women who feel tired or ill during their pregnancy may find kratom helpful.
Many of the side effects of kratom include weight loss, nausea, vomiting, liver damage, changes in urination, and constipation. It may also cause dizziness and seizures.
If you are pregnant and intake kratom, your baby will likely need treatment to stop the withdrawal symptoms. One way to help your baby is by wearing a cotton cloth on your chest or putting him on your bare chest to soothe the baby without medication. Sweating, restlessness, and trembling are expected during the retreat and may last several days to weeks.
Can Kratom Affect Newborns?
There is so much controversy about the safety of kratom. Some say it is safe and effective for pain relief, while others say it can be deadly to new babies. The FDA has not approved any kratom-containing formulas for infants, so you avoid consuming any form of kratom (including Kratom tea) until you know more.
Kratom is an opioid and will have effects similar to heroin or morphine, leaving the newborn looking like they are dying and in pain. It can have adverse effects on them. Kratom use during pregnancy can lead to a baby having symptoms similar to withdrawal from opiates such as heroin, which includes putting up with vast amounts of pain and suffering because of their desire to feed.
Side Effects Of Kratom During Pregnancy
Following are some side effects of kratom during pregnancy:
- Anxiety/Nervousness – The most significant side effect of kratom is anxiety and nervousness. It occurs because kratom affects the areas in your brain that control balance, coordination, memory, and many other functions that can change a lot during pregnancy.
- Irritability – Another side effect of kratom during pregnancy is irritability or moodiness. It occurs because kratom affects the parts of your brain that control emotions, including anger, sadness, and euphoria.
- Stimulation or excitement – Kratom will stimulate the central nervous system by building up dopamine levels in the brain. The drug helps to recover from addiction and withdrawal symptoms.
Conclusion
Many pregnant women choose to use kratom to relieve pain symptoms early pregnancy. In addition, many people have been using kratom as an alternative to opioids and other substances that people use in severe pain.
But, pregnant women must know how kratom may affect them, especially if they consider taking it. The drug can cause side effects such as nausea, vomiting, and constipation. Plus, because of its sedative nature, there is a risk of reduced oxygen levels in the body.
Hence, kratom during pregnancy is not a good recommendation, as there is no current evidence to suggest that it poses any harm to the fetus.
While it can be tempting to use when you are expecting, you must keep your doctor informed about what you’re taking and find other options for sleeping if necessary.
