As a rule, no drugs should be used during pregnancy, unless they are absolutely necessary. More than 90% of pregnant women take some type of unnecessary drug during their pregnancy. It may be a prescription drug, an over the counter drug, tobacco, alcohol or an illicit drug. Many drugs, no matter what category they fall into, may harm the fetus. Two to three percent of all birth defects are the result of some type of drug use other than alcohol. If you are pregnant, do not take any type of drug unless you have talked to your doctor and he has given you the go ahead.
When a pregnant woman takes drugs, the drugs cross the placenta and are absorbed by the fetus. The drug takes the same route as oxygen and nutrients which are needed for growth and development. Drugs can act directly on the fetus, causing damage or abnormal development. This can lead to possible birth defects and/or death. Drugs can alter the function of the placenta. Constricting blood vessels can reduce the flow of oxygen and nutrients and the result could be an underweight or underdeveloped baby. Drugs can cause the muscles of the uterus to contract hard enough to reduce the blood flow and thus harm the baby. It can also start preterm labor and delivery.
The development stage of the fetus and the strength of the dose of drugs will determine the affect. Certain drugs taken within 20 days of conception may kill the fetus in some and not affect it at all in others. Birth defects at this early stage are rare. Between the 3rd and 8th week organs are developing and drugs at this stage can cause a miscarriage, an obvious birth defect, a subtle defect that is not noticed until later in life, or it may have no effect. Drugs taken after the development of the organs may not cause birth defects, but they can alter the growth and function of normally formed organs and tissues.
The use of illicit drugs can cause complications and serious problems in the developing fetus. Injecting drugs increases the risk of transferring hepatitis and STD’s, including AIDS. The fetus is more likely to be smaller and premature births are more common. If the mother is addicted, the baby most likely will be also. Withdrawal symptoms in a newborn can occur 6 hours to 8 days after delivery.
If you are using drugs, protect yourself against pregnancy. If you use drugs and you are planning to get pregnant, get help with the drugs first. After you are healthy, your baby stands a much better chance of being born healthy. If you are using drugs and find out you are pregnant, get help immediately. Give your baby every chance to make it into this world healthy. A Better Tomorrow Treatment Center can make this happen for you and for your unborn child. You both deserve a fighting chance.
If you need help, are struggling with an addiction, or know of someone who is, please contact A Better Tomorrow today. We are here to help.
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I'm appalled whenever I hear of women who have babies addicted at birth. I just don't know what they are thinking. It's not like they can't get birth control, and usually free at that. Maybe what makes me maddest of all is the fact that so many decent women want a baby and can't have one.
ReplyDeleteAs a worker at a child protection agency I saw the staggering numbers of children that are born addicted to drugs and/or affected by alcohol. There ought to be a law.
ReplyDeleteIt's hard to fathom why someone would intentionally get pregnant and then not do everything possible to ensure the health of the baby. I know it happens everyday. Pregnant women smoke, drink and do drugs. It's a very sad thought.
ReplyDeleteBaby's are so precious, I don't see how people can do things that might cause them harm. Using drugs and alcohol during pregnancy is like playing russian roulette.
ReplyDeleteI was 4 months pregnant before I realized it. I had been drinking pretty heavily and dabbling in drugs. I quit everything as soon as I found out. My baby was born with problems. I'll never know if they could have been avoided. I'll never be able to forgive myself either. She didn't deserve this, especially not from me.
ReplyDeleteThat baby sure hasn't got a chance. I don't understand how any woman can be pregnant and not feel the need to protect their child. Something is really wrong with that picture.
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