According to the March of Dimes, a government survey in 2005 found that almost 4 percent of pregnant women used an illicit drug during pregnancy. These drugs include marijuana, cocaine, methamphetamine, heroin and Ecstasy. The same survey found that most women who used these drugs also drank alcohol, smoked cigarettes and participated in other activities that can also cause problems in a newborn baby. Because of this, some of the effects on a newborn are difficult to pinpoint to a certain habit. However, all of the aforementioned habits pose a threat to both the newborn and the mother.
Marijuana
Women who smoke marijuana while they are pregnant are more likely to have low birth-weight, premature babies. These conditions can both lead to developmental delays and respiratory problems. Another obstacle these babies face is withdrawal symptoms for almost a week after birth. The most common long-term effect on these infants is that they may have a shorter attention span than a child not exposed to the drug. These problems are more prevalent in women who smoke more than six times per week.
Cocaine
Cocaine has very serious effects on a fetus. Urinary tract problems, stroke, heart attacks and brain damage are all possible effects that cocaine may have on a newborn. The baby may have mild withdrawal symptoms for the first three to four days after birth, but these are usually easily managed by the nurses at the hospital. Miscarriage is also common in pregnant cocaine users. Additionally, a child may face behavioral problems and learning disabilities later in life as a result of her mother's cocaine use while pregnant with her.
Heroin
Pregnant women who use heroin usually have serious complications. Premature babies are very common for women using this drug. Half of the babies born to heroin addicts are extremely small and underdeveloped when their actual gestational age is taken into consideration. The risk of stillbirth is increased. Once born, the baby will experience severe withdrawal symptoms, including diarrhea, seizures, trembling, fever, vomiting and continuous crying. Heroin-addicted babies are more likely to die of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. Women who are addicted to heroin should try to find a methadone treatment center if they are pregnant. While the baby may still suffer from withdrawal, the overall outlook for these babies is better than those born to mothers who continue to use heroin.
Other Drugs
Drugs such as PCP, Special K, angel dust and methamphetamine all have serious effects on a newborn. With all of these drugs, there is an increased risk in birth defects. Congenital heart defects are the most common. Clubfoot and other nonlife-threatening defects are also possible. Cleft lip and cleft palate are fairly common. Premature birth is also common, which further complicates the newborn's first few months of life.
Prevention/Solution
Women who use any drugs should seek medical care as soon as they think that pregnancy is a possibility. In some cases, the doctor may recommend that the woman slowly wean herself off the drugs, so as not to shock the fetus, which may cause fetal death. In any case, the woman should be 100-percent honest with staff at the hospital when she delivers the baby. This gives the nurses, doctors and support staff a chance to prepare for the complications the baby may experience, and it also gives the baby the best chance at leading a normal life.
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