Some drugs can be harmful when used at any time during a pregnancy, others can be seriously damaging at specific stages. Pregnancy and drug addiction is a bad mix.
Organ Formation and Prenatal Growth
According to the American Council of Drug Education, most of the body organs and systems are formed within the first ten weeks of pregnancy. During this stage some drugs (alcohol in particular), can cause malformations, especially to the heart, limbs and facial features.
After the tenth week, the fetus usually grows rapidly in size and weight. Drugs may damage organs that are still developing as well as the central nervous system. If the mother is using drugs, this increases the risk of miscarriage and premature delivery. The greatest danger at this stage is that some drug use will interfere with normal growth. Intrauterine growth retardation is likely to result in a low birth-weight baby and babies born too soon risk severe health problems or even death.
Cannabis
Marijuana is usually smoked therefore it poses the same risks associated with tobacco use. Cannabis may increase the risk of having a low birth-weight baby and some studies suggest that there is an increased risk of subtle negative affects to the baby such as sleep disturbances, thinking problems, hyperactivity and attention problems.
Cannabis can stay in the mother's system for long periods and can be passed on to the baby in breast milk. Being exposed to someone who smokes marijuana can also have the same affects in breast milk and to the unborn child.
Club Drugs (Ecstasy and GHB)
The risks to the unborn child are not totally known yet ecstasy is similar to stimulants and the risks for these include: high blood pressure, miscarriage, premature delivery and having a low birth-weight baby.
GHB is more commonly referred to as the date rape drug. The risks of taking this drug while pregnant include: stillbirth, miscarriage, premature delivery and depending on when during the pregnancy and frequency, there can be physical deformities and problems with physical, mental and emotional growth.
For the pregnant woman, either of these two drugs can cause dehydration, seizures, coma, cardiac arrest and even death.
Crack and Cocaine
Cocaine or crack use has serious affects to a developing fetus. Miscarriage and premature delivery can result from using these drugs. When the baby is born, it can have withdrawal symptoms and can experience restlessness, vomiting, seizures and sleep problems.
It's highly recommended never to breast feed a child if using cocaine, crack, ecstasy or GHB.
Inhalants or Solvents
Glue or gasoline sniffing, aerosols and even nitrous oxide (laughing gas) can induce early labor. Premature birth and babies having breathing problems are possible when using inhalants or solvents. A baby may be born with an underdeveloped respiratory tract that can lead to increased risk of infection. Inhalant or solvent use may also lead to cognitive impairment (difficulties thinking) and behavioral problems. Breast milk is affected by sniffing inhalants or solvents.
Getting Help
Before getting pregnant it's important to cease all use of drugs, alcohol and cigarettes, but many women don't know they're pregnant until the end the first trimester (three months). Getting proper prenatal care is essential, and for women who are substance abusers, there are trained professionals who can help. For those who don't know where to turn, public health nurses are a great starting point.
If a pregnant woman is in need of treatment, do not be judgmental; reach out and help. Call the local hospital or crisis center. In Ontario, DART (Drug and Alcohol Registry of Treatment) can help at 1-800-545-8603. Outside Ontario, their number is 519-439-0174.
For specific information about a particular drug or chemical, alcohol or substance abuse or Fetal Alcohol Syndrome, call Motherisk’s Alcohol and Substance Use Helpline at 1-877-327-4636 .
All information provided in the above article was provided by CAMH unless stated otherwise. The Center for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) is Canada's largest mental health and addiction teaching hospital. CAMH is one of the world's leading research centers and is fully affiliated with the University of Toronto and is a Pan American Health Organization and World Health Organization Collaborating Center.
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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