The Effects of Illicit Drugs During Pregnancy

The life style that often goes with the use of illicit drugs often makes it difficult to pinpoint their effects during pregnancy. It is known, however, that drug users are more likely to have problems during pregnancy that place their babies at risk. The effects of drugs can be so harmful that even occasional users are at risk.

Marijuana is the illicit drug that is used most often. Women who are moderate or heavy users (two to five uses pre week) tend to deliver early, and their babies are often small. Marijuana can be retained in the body for long periods, leading to prolonged fetal exposure, and it contains carbon monoxide, a gas that could keep the fetus from receiving enough oxygen.

Cocaine, the second most often used illicit drug, is especially dangerous during pregnancy. It can be snorted, injected, or smoked in a highly purified and addictive from known as crack. Cocaine abuse is more harmful than any other substance abuse in pregnancy. Pregnant women who use cocaine have a 25% higher chance of having a preterm birth. Their babies are at risk for being small for their age and are often more irritable and fussy. Cocaine can cause the mother to have a heart attack and could cause death of the fetus. Recent studies suggest that even babies who survive being exposed to cocaine during pregnancy will have long-lasting physical, behavioural, and emotional problem.

Other illicit drugs, such as heroin, methadone, and phencyclidine  (PCP or angel dust), can be addictive to the baby as well as the mother. When these babies are born, they must go through withdrawal from the drug.

Addictions can be hard to quit. Pregnancy may give you extra incentive to try. If you want to stop using illegal drugs, talk to your doctor. He or she can give you more information about the effects of these drugs on your fetus and can refer you to a treatment program.

You should try to stop taking any drugs as soon as possible. The fetus's organs form during the first trimester, and using drugs during this time can cause serious damage to those organs. Cutting down on or stopping drug use any time in pregnancy, however, does provide some benefits.