According to the Merck Manuals, 90 percent of women consume prescribed, social or illegal drugs during their pregnancy. Some drugs are essential for a woman's health and the fetus. However, they should only be consumed after consulting a doctor or a health care practitioner. Drugs consumed by a pregnant woman reaches the fetus through the placenta, just like the oxygen does. Certain drugs have harmful effects on the fetus.
Alcohol
Consuming alcohol during pregnancy affects the development of the fetus. It also causes a condition known as fetal alcohol syndrome, which causes delayed growth of the fetus and underdevelopment of the nervous system. Abstaining from alcohol during the first trimester of pregnancy is essential because the embryo is highly vulnerable to the effects of alcohol at this stage. According to the World Health Organization, a pregnant woman who consumes alcohol while pregnant could have a baby with mental and physical disabilities.
Tobacco
The nicotine and carbon monoxide present in tobacco can penetrate the placenta, which hampers a fetus' development. Carbon monoxide reduces the oxygen content in the blood and affects the overall size of the baby. According to the WHO, smoking could lead to miscarriage and premature birth. Smoking also affects the breathing process of a fetus while it is in the womb.
Cocaine
Cocaine can cause a miscarriage and affect the development of a baby. It increases the heart rate of the mother and the baby. According to the American Council for Drug Education, babies of cocaine-consuming mothers tend to show withdrawal symptoms similar to that of adults. They tend to be sleepy and less responsive.
Caffeine
Caffeine is present in beverages including tea, coffee, soda and energy drinks. It traverses the placenta to the fetus just like essential ingredients. It acts as a stimulant and has the ability to increase the baby's heart rate. It also decreases the blood flow and iron absorption capability. This leads to risks such as anemia, stillbirth and other conditions. Reducing or eliminating caffeine consumption while pregnant is essential.
Heroin
According to the American Council for Drug Education, narcotics such as heroin are associated with risks such as premature birth, low birth weight and numerous other consequences. Low blood sugar, brain hemorrhage and breathing difficulties are also observed.
