Marijuana, cocaine, ecstasy, and other amphetamines are being used by pregnant women. Their babies are being born too small, too soon, with withdrawal symptoms, birth defects and with behavioral problems. Because many pregnant women who use illicit drugs also drink alcohol and smoke cigarettes, their unborn children risk having a multitude of problems.
Marijuana and Pregnancy
Marijuana is the most frequently used illicit drug among women of childbearing age in the U.S. Some studies indicate that marijuana use during pregnancy can slow fetal growth and slightly decrease the length of pregnancy. These effects are seen mainly in women who smoke marijuana at least six times per week throughout the pregnancy.
After the birth, some babies who were regularly exposed to marijuana before birth appear to experience withdrawal-like symptoms, including trembling and excessive crying. These babies are more sensitive to stimulation and tend to have poor sleep patterns.
Ecstasy, Methamphetamine and Other Amphetamines during Pregnancy
The use of ecstasy, methamphetamine and other amphetamines has unfortunately increased in recent years. There have been very few studies on how ecstasy may affect pregnancy however; one small study discovered that there is an increase in congenital heart defects and, in females only, clubfoot, and skeletal defect.
Methamphetamine is another commonly abused amphetamine. On the street this is known as speed, crank, ice and crystal meth. A 2006 study found that babies born to women who used methamphetamine were more than three times as likely than unexposed babies to poorly develop and grow before birth. Even when born at term, affected babies tend to be less than 5½ pounds and have a smaller-than-normal head circumference.
After delivery, some babies who were exposed to amphetamines undergo withdrawal-like symptoms, including breathing problems, jitteriness, and drowsiness.
Heroin during Pregnancy
Women who use heroin during a pregnancy greatly increase the risk of major pregnancy complications. These risks include stillbirth, poor fetal growth, premature rupture of the membranes, and premature birth. Half of all babies born to heroin users are born with low birth weights. Many of these babies are premature and often suffer from serious health problems. They also have an increased risk of lifelong disabilities.
Babies born to women who are heroin users show withdrawal symptoms during the first three days after birth. These symptoms include seizures, fever, sneezing, irritability, trembling, vomiting, diarrhea, and continual crying. The severity of a newborn's symptoms is related to how long the mother has been using heroin or other narcotics and how much she has taken. Babies exposed to heroin before birth also at an increased risk of sudden infant death syndrome.
To find out more information on stopping drug use, ask a health care provider or contact the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence.
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Karen Stephenson - Karen has written for several newspapers and print media in addition to many online publications. She holds a B.A. in English and an ...
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