Women who are planning a pregnancy should be aware of the dangers of using drugs, including alcohol and prescription medicines. By refraining from drinking, smoking, using drugs or taking harmful medications during pregnancy, a mother can maximize her chances of having a healthy baby. Women who are pregnant should inform their doctor of any alcohol, tobacco or drug use, including prescription or over-the-counter medications.
Drug Use and Stages of Pregnancy
Drug use is harmful for both mother and child at any time during a pregnancy, but certain drugs are especially damaging at certain stages. During the first ten weeks of a pregnancy, the baby's organs and body begin to form. Some drugs, like alcohol, can cause the baby's heart, limbs, and facial features to form incorrectly. After about the tenth week, the baby grows very fast in both weight and size. At this stage some drugs can damage the eyes and the nervous system.
Ongoing drug use increases the risk of miscarriage or premature delivery. Drug use can stop normal growth and cause the baby to be born too early, too small or both. Towards the end of a pregnancy, some drugs may make delivery more difficult or dangerous and endanger the baby's health. Newborn babies need all the help they can get during the first weeks of life. Drug and alcohol use lower a baby's chances of survival.
If drugs are taken late in pregnancy, the baby may be born drug dependent and suffer withdrawal symptoms. Withdrawal from methamphetamine and cocaine may cause the newborn baby to experience tremors, sleeplessness, muscle spasms, and sucking difficulties. Some experts believe learning difficulties may develop later. The babies of mothers dependent on narcotics (addicted to heroin or prescription painkillers) are often born dependent and suffer withdrawal symptoms, such as irritability, vomiting and diarrhea, and joint stiffness. Babies born to mothers who injected drugs also run the risk of contracting HIV/AIDS, syphilis or hepatitis.
Types of Drugs
Alcohol — When a mother drinks during pregnancy, the alcohol is passed from her to the baby through the placenta. Alcohol is broken down much more slowly in a baby's body than in an adult's body. As a result, the alcohol level can be dangerously high in the baby's body, and may remain in the baby's system longer, causing physical and mental defects. No amount of alcohol during pregnancy is safe. Drinking during pregnancy increases the risk of fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) in the baby, the effects of which include: small skull and brain, abnormal facial features, heart defects, and slowed growth or mental retardation. Heavy drinking in later pregnancy can also result in low birth-weight babies. Untreated alcohol withdrawal can result in death.
Tobacco — Smoking during pregnancy increases the risk of miscarriage, premature labor and low birth-weight babies. Smokers inhale poisons such as nicotine and carbon monoxide which are transferred to the baby through the placenta. These toxins prevent the unborn baby from getting the nutrients and oxygen needed to grow. Without adequate food and oxygen, the baby may not grow as fast or as much at it should, causing low birth-weight. Recent reports have even linked smoking with birth defects such as extra, missing or webbed fingers and toes.
Cocaine, Crack and Methamphetamine — Cocaine, crack, and methamphetamine (speed or ice) are stimulants of the central nervous system. They cause blood vessels to tighten so that the heart beats faster and blood pressure rises. This added stress on the baby's system may cause growth to be slowed. The risk of miscarriage, premature labor and possible bleeding are increased by using these stimulants.
Heroin & other narcotics — Use of narcotics increases the danger of premature birth and can create problems such as low birth-weight (increasing the risk of developmental problems later in the child's life), breathing difficulties, low blood sugar and bleeding within the baby's head.
Inhalants — Inhalants are harmful to all adults and children, though there is limited research on the specific dangers of using inhalants during pregnancy. The solvent toluene, which is found in paints and glues, has been proven to cause birth defects similar to those caused by alcohol abuse during pregnancy.
PCP / Angel Dust — Because the PCP passes from mother to baby through the placenta, newborns may show signs of intoxication for a few days after birth. Dependence on PCP can also be passed from mother to child. Babies born addicted to PCP will go through withdrawal which can cause symptoms such as lethargy (low energy) and tremors. The drug is also thought to be excreted in the milk of nursing mothers.
Marijuana — Premature birth and low birth-weight babies are common among marijuana users. Research shows that marijuana use during pregnancy affects the baby's ability to respond to visual stimulation and may cause developmental problems. During infancy, children of marijuana users may experience behavioral problems, as well as difficulty with visual perception, understanding language, decision-making, concentration and memory. Also, since marijuana is often used with other drugs like tobacco and alcohol, many of the same dangers are present.
Prescription Medications and Over-the-Counter Drugs — Many medications have side effects that are harmful during pregnancy. That's why every expectant mom should talk with her doctor or midwife before taking any drug, even those sold over-the-counter.
Staying Clean During Pregnancy
Many women successfully give up tobacco, alcohol, and other drugs when they plan to get pregnant or learn that they are pregnant. Other women seek help to overcome their addictions during pregnancy. Some look to their doctor, others become involved in self-help groups arranged specifically for pregnant women. Many communities have programs designed for pregnant women that provide treatment for drug abuse problems. Some treatment agencies, including Phoenix House, have "Women and Child" treatment programs, so mothers can continue treatment during their pregnancy or while caring for their newborn child.
If you or someone you know is struggling with alcohol or drug abuse during pregnancy, email Phoenix House at drughelp@phoenixhouse.org to find out more about our treatment programs, ask for a referral or get a professional assessment. If you find yourself in an emergency situation, call 911 immediately.
Other Resources
Phoenix House Treatment Program for Women and Children — 1-800-DRUGHELP
National Drug Information and Treatment Hotline — 1-800-662-HELP
National Council on Alcoholism Information Line — 1-800-NCA-CALL
