An expectant mother needs to be informed about all drugs. For maximum health a woman should avoid all substances unless under prescription and care of a physician.
Some 90% of pregnant women take prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter) drugs, or use social or illicit drugs at some point during pregnancy. One estimate is that each year about 500,000 unborn children are exposed to psychoactive drugs. Health professionals discourage drug use during pregnancy unless necessary because of potential harm to the fetus. (The Merck Manual Online Medical Library Home Edition for Patients and Caregivers.) Some drugs are harmful when used at any time during pregnancy; others are damaging at specific stages.
Specific Drug Effects on Fetus
- Alcohol: Babies whose mothers drink alcohol during pregnancy may be born with Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS), with characteristics of small head and body size, abnormal facial characteristics, behavioral problems, mental retardation, learning disabilities, and a failure to thrive pattern. Even light or moderate drinking during pregnancy can cause Fetal Alcohol Effects (FAE) or Alcohol Related Birth Defects (ARBD), with physical abnormalities and behavioral problems. There is no known safe amount of alcohol that can be consumed during pregnancy.
- Marijuana: Pregnant women who smoke marijuana are frequently at high risk of stillbirth, miscarriage, low birth-weight babies, and fetal abnormalities - especially of the nervous system.
- Nicotine and Tobacco: Maternal cigarette smoking causes low birth weight, increased incidence of premature birth, and retarded fetal growth. Smoking during pregnancy causes a higher percentage of stillborn babies and miscarriages. Smoking is more likely to result in low birth weight babies that are at greater risk of dying soon after birth, and is implicated in SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome.)
- Cocaine: Infants born to mothers who have used cocaine during pregnancy can suffer a number of complications including prenatal strokes, kidney and breathing disorders, risk of miscarriage, premature labor, and a condition called abruptio placentae (the partial separation of the placenta from the uterus wall.) Growth may be hindered, and babies are at risk for Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. A baby may also be born cocaine dependent and experience painful withdrawal after birth. Some experts believe learning difficulties may later develop.
- Heroin and Narcotics: Infants born to women addicted to narcotics have a greater risk of complications, be stillborn, have a low birth-weight, a danger of premature birth, breathing difficulties, or bleeding within the head. They have poorer motor coordination, and may exhibit delayed mental and motor development. Often the babies of narcotic addicted mothers are born suffering withdrawal. Also, women who use narcotics by intravenous injection may have the HIV virus, and risk passing that virus to their babies.
- Methamphetamine, PCP, Inhalants, Steroids, OTC: Methamphetamine use during pregnancy can affect development of the brain, spinal cord, heart and kidneys. It can cause a number of pregnancy complications including developmental and skeletal abnormalities (such as clubfoot) and some babies are born without parts of their arms or legs. Inhalants can cause malformations and birth defects. PCP can cause withdrawal symptoms. Steroids have been implicated in causing low birth weight babies and particular defects such as cleft palate. Many other medications, both prescription and Over-the-Counter Drugs (for example, anticonvulsants, antimigraine drugs, NSAIDs, anticoagulants, etc.), also have side effects potentially harmful during pregnancy.
Abstinence is the Best Policy
Drug use during pregnancy can place a fetus at risk for numerous complications and birth defects including mental retardation, gross malformations, and behavioral disorders. Use of any drug during pregnancy unless by doctor’s prescription, should be avoided. Simple prevention can prevent complications and an enormous emotional lifetime cost for parents and children.
References
International FAS Bell Concordance Day
American Council on Drug Education
Merck Manual Online Medical Dictionary
Nelson Acquilano - Nelson Acquilano holds an A.A.S. in Police Science, a B.S. in both Political Science and Criminal Justice, a Master of Social Work Degree ...
