What happens to the unborn baby when the mother uses illegal drugs during pregnancy?

Studies show when a pregnant woman uses illegal drugs during pregnancy it can result in miscarriage, low birth weight, premature labor, placental abruption, seizures, respiratory problems, feeding difficulties, and death of the baby and the mother.

What are three effects of drugs on an unborn fetus?

Illicit Drugs Illicit drug use during pregnancy may cause miscarriage, preterm labor, birth defects, stillbirth, withdrawal symptoms in the baby after birth, a higher risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), poor fetal growth rate, and cognitive and behavioral problems.

What effects can drugs have on a fetus?

Drugs or medication taken by the mother may cross the placenta and reach the developing fetus. The possible effects may include developmental delay, intellectual disability, birth defects miscarriage and stillbirth.

What happens if a baby is born with drugs in its system?

Once the supply of drugs (delivered through the mother’s umbilical cord) goes away, babies can experience painful withdrawal symptoms and other health problems. In newborns, this type of withdrawal is called neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS). NAS can be caused by exposure to many different drugs.

What harmful substances can pass from mother to baby?

Tobacco, alcohol and drugs can have harmful effects on anyone’s health. When a pregnant or nursing woman uses these substances, her baby also is exposed to them, for all substances cross the placenta through the umbilical cord and enter into the baby’s bloodstream.

Why is smoking bad for pregnancy?

Tobacco. Smoking during pregnancy increases the risk of health problems for developing babies, including preterm birth, low birth weight, and birth defects of the mouth and lip. Smoking during and after pregnancy also increases the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).

Why is smoking bad pregnancy?

Smoking during pregnancy increases the risk of health problems for developing babies, including preterm birth, low birth weight, and birth defects of the mouth and lip. Smoking during and after pregnancy also increases the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).

Why do drugs cross the placenta?

A health care practitioner may recommend that a woman take certain vitamins and minerals during pregnancy. Drugs taken by a pregnant woman reach the fetus primarily by crossing the placenta, the same route taken by oxygen and nutrients, which are needed for the fetus’s growth and development.

Is NAS considered a disability?

NAS is a serious withdrawal syndrome that can occur in newborns after exposure to opioids during pregnancy. More research is needed to help us better understand the effects of exposure to non-essential opioids during pregnancy on the baby’s health, education, and needs for social services as they grow.

Can a baby be born with a nicotine addiction?

Prenatal exposure to nicotine may lead to low birth weight, premature birth, and stillbirth. Babies exposed to nicotine during pregnancy may also be born with an increased startle reflex, tremor, and other problems.

Can hand sanitizer hurt a fetus?

Although hand sanitizer has shown to be generally safe for both mom and baby, in addition to an effective way to clean your hands, it is not the CDC’s first recommendation.

What are the four causes of birth defects?

What causes birth defects?

• Genetic problems. One or more genes might have a change or mutation that results in them not working properly, such as in Fragile X syndrome.
• Chromosomal problems.
• Infections.
• Exposure to medications, chemicals, or other agents during pregnancy.