Drugs and Pregnancy

Consumption of any illegal drug is not safe for the unborn baby or for the mother. Studies have shown that taking illegal drugs during pregnancy can result in miscarriage, low birth-weight, premature labor, placental abruption, fetal death and even maternal death.

The following has been adapted from the websites listed at the bottom of the page.

Introduction

Drug use by pregnant women can result in harm to her unborn child. The March of Dimes provides information about pregnancy and the use of legal drugs such as tobacco and alcohol and illegal drugs such as cocaine, PCP, and heroin. Because some prescription and over-the-counter drugs can also harm unborn children, the March of Dimes recommends that pregnant women speak to their doctors before taking any medication.

Cocaine use during pregnancy

Cocaine crosses the placenta and enters your baby's circulation. The elimination of cocaine is slower in a fetus than in an adult. This means that cocaine remains in the baby's body much longer than it does in your body.

Cocaine use during pregnancy can affect a pregnant woman and her unborn baby in many ways. During the early months of pregnancy, it may increase the risk of miscarriage. Later in pregnancy, it can trigger preterm labor (labor that occurs before 37 weeks of pregnancy) or cause the baby to grow poorly. As a result, cocaine-exposed babies are more likely than unexposed babies to be born with low birthweight (less than 5½ pounds). Low-birthweight babies are 20 times more likely to die in their first month of life than normal-weight babies, and face an increased risk of lifelong disabilities such as mental retardation and cerebral palsy. Cocaine-exposed babies also tend to have smaller heads, which generally reflect smaller brains.  Some studies suggest that cocaine-exposed babies are at increased risk of birth defects, including urinary-tract defects and, possibly, heart defects.  Cocaine use also may cause the placenta to pull away from the wall of the uterus before labor begins.

Babies who are regularly exposed to cocaine before birth sometimes have feeding difficulties and sleep disturbances. As newborns, some are jittery and irritable, and they may startle and cry at the gentlest touch or sound. Therefore, these babies may be difficult to comfort and may be described as withdrawn or unresponsive. Other cocaine-exposed babies turn off” surrounding stimuli by going into a deep sleep for most of the day. Generally, these behavioral disturbances are temporary and resolve over the first few months of life. Some studies suggest that cocaine-exposed babies have a greater chance of dying of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), they  may have learning difficulties may result as the child gets older, and they can have defects of the genitals, kidneys, and brain.

Marijuana use and pregnancy

Marijuana is often mistakenly viewed as a "safe" drug.  However, a study funded by the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) and the National Institute on Child Health and Human Development (NICHD) suggests that exposure to cannabinoids, psychoactive chemicals present in marijuana, can affect early embryonic development.  

Marijuana crosses the placenta to your baby. Marijuana, like cigarette smoke, contains toxins that keep your baby from getting the proper supply of oxygen that he or she needs to grow.

Some studies suggest that use of marijuana during pregnancy can increase the chance of miscarriage, low birth-weight, premature births, developmental delays, and behavioral and learning problems.  These effects are seen mainly in women who use marijuana regularly (six or more times a week).  After delivery, some babies who were regularly exposed to marijuana in the womb appear to undergo withdrawal-like symptoms including excessive crying and trembling.

PCP & LSD use during pregnancy

PCP and LSD are hallucinogens. Both PCP and LSD users can have violent behavior, which may cause harm to the baby if the mother hurts herself.  PCP use during pregnancy can lead to low birth weight, poor muscle control, brain damage, and withdrawal syndrome if used frequently. Withdrawal symptoms include lethargy, alternating with tremors. LSD can lead to birth defects if used frequently.

Methamphetamine use during pregnancy

Methamphetamine is chemically related to amphetamine, which causes the heart rate of the mother and baby to increase.  Taking methamphetamine during pregnancy can result in problems similar to those seen with the use of cocaine in pregnancy. The use of speed can cause the baby to get less oxygen, which can lead to a small baby at birth. Methamphetamine can also increase the likelihood of premature labor, miscarriage, and placental abruption. Babies can be born addicted to methamphetamine and suffer withdrawal symptoms that include tremors, sleeplessness, muscle spasms, and difficulties feeding.