Drug information
|
Inhalants, or volatile solvents, are substances, whose vapours when inhaled cause you to feel intoxicated or "high". Inhalants are depressants which slow down the activity of the brain and central nervous system. The effect can be immediate and may last for several hours depending on the substance and amount used and the method of inhalation. Some of the most common inhalants are chrome-based paint ("chroming"), aerosol spray cans, glue, gas from lighters or barbecues (butane), petrol, paint, paint thinner and felt-tipped pens.
|
Effects on pregnancy
|
Inhalants contain many toxic substances which are harmful to both you and your baby. It is believed that nearly all inhalants cross the placenta and enter the baby's blood stream. For this reason, it is important you cease using inhalants during pregnancy.
|
Some of the known effects on the baby are early delivery, breathing problems and an increased risk of infection. It is also suggested that the unborn baby can experience periods of reduced oxygen, which can effect brain development. This has the potential to impact on a child's life long learning ability.
|
Counselling in pregnancy
|
Pregnancy is often a good motivator to cease inhalant use. Drug and alcohol counselling can help you understand the reasons why you are using inhalants. It can also assist you to reduce or stop your use during pregnancy. Counselling will also assist you in accessing appropriate support services such as outpatient and/or residential drug and alcohol services.
|
Pregnancy care
|
Discussing inhalant use whilst you are pregnant might be difficult, however it is important that you talk to a health worker, midwife,doctor or someone you can trust to help you with your concerns.
|
regular pregnancy care is important to ensure you are healthy and your baby is growing well.
|
You may need dietary supplements such as iron and calcium throughout your pregnancy. All women should take folate before conceiving and for at least the first three months of their pregnancy.
|
Nausea, vomiting and constipation commonly occur in pregnancy. Speak with your midwife or doctor - they may refer you to a dietitian. Healthy Pregnancy Hints (.pdf) is a brochure available for you to download and print.
|
Eating well during pregnancy and whilst you are breastfeeding is important for the health of you and your baby. Eating Well & Pregnancy (.pdf) is a brochure available for you to download and print.
|
Breastfeeding
|
The effect of inhaling volatile substances during breastfeeding has not been fully researched. Whilst major quantities of inhalants probably do not pass through breast milk, breast feeding whilst affectedyour by inhalants is not safe and not recommended.
|
Infant Development
|
With the exception of alcohol, it is very difficult to prove that drug use in pregnancy results in any permanent long term behavioral or learning problems in children as they grow up.
|
Most research suggests that if a child is raised in a caring and supportive family environment, they will do as well at school as any other child in similiar circumstances. However, alcohol consumption during pregnancy is a very different problem. Evidence suggests that regular daily consumption of more than one standard drink per day during pregnancy may result in obvious behavioral and learning problems in childrren that can persist into adult life. The more alcohol that is consumed during pregnancy, the more likely it is that the child will experience significant long term learning and behavioral problems.
|
The combined use of alcohol and drugs, particularly cannabis and cocaine, is an especially high risk situation.
|
Care of infant
|
Following birth, your baby will be seen by a paediatric doctor to ensure he/she is well.
|
Your baby may need to stay in hospital a little longer than usual to ensure he/she is settled, feeding well and gaining weight.
|
If you use inhalants, co-sleeping with your baby is not recommended as drugs and/or alcohol can make you sleep more deeply. You may be less aware of where your baby is in your bed and less responsive to your baby's needs. Please refer to SIDS information below.
|
It is important that you provide a smoke free environment for your baby at all times.
|
Sudden Infant Death Syndrome
|
SIDS is the sudden unexpected death of a baby from no known cause. It is the most common cause of death for infants in Australia between the ages of one and twelve months. The risk of SIDS is greater if you smoke or use drugs and alcohol during pregnancy or after your baby is born.
|
For more information, speak with your midwife or doctor or contact SIDS and Kids by phoning, for the cost of a local call, 1300 308 307 or log on to www.sidsandkids.org . Safe Sleeping for your Baby (.pdf) is a brochure developed by the Women's ADS in consultation with other organisations. It is available for you to download and print.
|
Other services
|
DirectLine is part of Turning Point's statewide telephone service network, providing 24-hour, seven day counselling, information and referral to alcohol and drug treatment and support services throughout Victoria. DirectLine is a free, anonymous and confidential service.
|
Phone: 1800 888 236
|
Funding from the Sunshine Foundation assisted in the development of this fact sheet.
|
