Effects of Drugs During Pregnancy
Drug useage may be very harmful to both mother & baby
Alcohol
Although not well known, alcohol is classified as a drug, and can cause serious damage to an unborn baby. Fetal Alcohol Syndrome is a condition that some children must live with if their mothers drink alcohol during pregnancy. This condition causes a wide range of physical and mental disabilities for the child. Difficulties learning, a short attention span, poor coordination, heart and liver defects,hyperactivity, or physical deformities can all result from Fetal Alcohol Syndrome. Similar to FSA, fetal alcohol effects are abnormalities that are seen in some children that had mothers drink during pregnancy. These effects are less severe, however. The amount of alcohol a mother consumes during pregnancy determines the damage that can be done to the child. Binge drinking can also increase the chances of having a child with FCS. Alcohol is a very serious drug that should never be consumed during pregnancy, as it can result in damages that will last a lifetime for the child .
"Even Common medicines sold in pharmacies may be unsafe for an unborn baby."
Prescription Drugs and Over-the-Counter Drugs
Both Prescription and Over-the-Counter Drugs can be very harmful during pregnancy. There is really no safe drug for a developing baby. Every mother should check with her doctor about all kinds of medicine, whether that be any type of medication, vitamin, or herbal supplement. Drugs can cause serious birth defects for the baby. Drugs that aren't approved by a doctor can also affect the baby's chemicals in the brain, and may actually cause mental retardation. During the later stages of pregnancy, any harmful medication may cause slow growth, infection, or bleeding during birth. A good rule to live by is that if a medication is not absolutely necessary, it should be avoided, and never consumed during pregnancy.
Caffeine
Like alcohol, caffeine is not a beverage that most people think to be a drug. But, it is. Caffeine passes from the mother to the baby through the placenta, and this drug can cause babies to have a higher blood level because their metabolism is not fully developed. I can also increase fetal heart rate and movement. Consuming a large amount of caffeine during pregnancy can result in an increase risk of miscarriage, premature birth, and a low birth weight. Infant death is also a risk that increases. It also can draw the iron, calcium, and fluid from the developing baby's body, which is vital for the child's growth.
Tobacco
Smoking Tabasco has been found to lower birth weights of babies. The more the mother smokes, the smaller the baby will be. Premature births are also likely to occur if the mother smokes. Respiratory infections and allergies are also harmful side effects that children must endure if their mother smoked while pregnant with them.