While only two states in the United States have made prenatal substance abuse a crime, many others have passed indirect or related statutes that highlight the disastrous effects of smoking, drinking or drug use during pregnancy. Toxins generated by substance abuse are passed from mother to child through the umbilical cord. According to the National Institutes of Health, not just street drugs but also many over-the-counter or prescription drugs, as well as even "caffeine, vitamins, and herbal teas and remedies," can adversely affect the development of the fetus. Health authorities emphasize that total cessation of alcohol and drug use during pregnancy gives the best chance for a normal fetus. (Little data exists on the effects of substance abuse before pregnancy.) If stopping substance abuse seems difficult or impossible for a newly pregnant woman, it is strongly suggested to consult a physician immediately for help and guidance.
Smoking and Alcohol Abuse
The American College of Obstetricians warns that smoking during pregnancy decreases vital oxygen flow to the baby and increases the risk of ectopic pregnancy, vaginal bleeding and stillbirth. Alcohol abuse is "much more harmful to the fetus" than to the mother because a baby's liver is incapable of processing alcohol at all. Maternal alcoholism carries a high risk of miscarriage, as well as preterm birth, low birth weight, mental retardation and birth defects.
Marijuana
According to the American Pregnancy Association, smoking marijuana while pregnant can endanger the fetus by raising blood levels of carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide, which impede the flow of oxygen through the umbilical cord. Chances increase for miscarriage, premature birth, low birth weight and problems with learning, development and behavior.
Methamphetamines and Hallucinogens
Methamphetamines can increase the heart rate of both mother and infant. Meth-caused oxygen impairment through the umbilical cord promotes low birth weight, premature birth, miscarriage and withdrawal symptoms such as muscle spasms and feeding difficulties. Mothers who use LSD and PCP may injure themselves or their fetuses through violent behavior, and these hallucinogens can also cause birth defects, brain damage, and impaired muscular control.
Cocaine
Fetuses are much slower than adults to eliminate cocaine from the body. According to the National Institutes of Health, cocaine use increases risk of miscarriage, placental abruption, premature birth, vaginal bleeding, birth defects, cerebral palsy, mental retardation and fetal death. Babies may exhibit undersized heads and have growth problems. Cocaine use late in the pregnancy can cause the baby can be born as a cocaine addict and suffer a full range of withdrawal symptoms. Learning difficulties or lowered IQ may be revealed as the child grows.
Heroin
As with cocaine, abuse of heroin by the mother can result in birth defects, infant death, low birth weight or bleeding. Additionally, the infant can be saddled with hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), difficulty breathing, heroin addiction, and withdrawal symptoms that may include convulsions, fever, diarrhea, joint stiffness and sleep disorders. HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases can be passed through the umbilical cord by mothers who inject heroin with shared needles.
