According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), prenatal alcohol exposure is one of the leading causes of birth defects, mental retardation and neurodevelopmental disorders. The March of Dimes says identifying which substances are related to specific fetal risks is difficult, due to the fact that women who use one illicit drug often use multiple substances. Drug abuse and alcohol abuse can be prevented to minimize the risk to the mother and unborn child. Because there is no known safe amount of drugs or alcohol , the AAP recommends complete abstinence from drugs or alcohol during pregnancy. An addicted pregnant woman should seek medical guidance in stopping the use of drugs or alcohol; some health risks are possible during her withdrawal from the substances.
Fetal Effects of Drugs and Alcohol
The March of Dimes says women who are using illicit drugs often engage in other unhealthy behaviors that can be detrimental to the pregnancy. Other effects related to drug use include poor nutrition and risky sexual behavior that can lead to the contracting of sexually transmitted infections. This makes it more difficult to identify the specific risks to the fetus from drug abuse. Some risks include premature birth, low birth weight, slowed fetal growth in the womb and chemical dependence. Stillbirth and premature abortion can also occur from the use of drugs. The use of methamphetamine during pregnancy can increase the risk of placental problems that can complicate pregnancy and even result in the death of a fetus or pregnant woman.
According to the AAP, a fetus exposed frequently to high levels of alcohol can suffer from health risks similar to that of drug-exposed fetuses. Fetuses may grow at a slower rate than is considered normal. Before birth, an ultrasound may reveal several defects in a fetus exposed to alcohol. Most visible are facial anomalies such as cleft palate, or eye and ear abnormalities, according to the AAP.
Alcohol: After-Birth Effects
Fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) refers to a group of physical, behavioral and cognitive abnormalities, according to the AAP. Some of the serious lasting implications include poor coordination, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder and cardiac defects. Over time, a child afflicted with FAS may exhibit a number of developmental delays including speech, growth and behavior delays. Children can develop serious behavioral problems, including hyperactivity, impulsiveness, compulsive lying, stealing, oppositional behavior and stubbornness. Some children may even have an IQ that is low enough to fall into the mental retardation scale, according to the AAP.
Drugs: After-Birth Effects
A baby born to a drug- or alcohol-addicted mother has a high likelihood of psychological and physiological problems. Babies can be born addicted to drugs and suffer from withdrawal symptoms, according to the March of Dimes. Symptoms of this include jitters, drowsiness, extreme fussiness, trembling, diarrhea, vomiting and seizures. It takes at least a week for the baby to recover from withdrawal, but there may be lasting effects. As a child grows, she may suffer from learning and behavioral problems as a result of her mother's substance use during pregnancy.
