Harmful Effects of Drug and Alcohol on Babies

Drug or alcohol abuse by pregnant women not only has health effects on them, but also on the babies. Drugs or their metabolites and alcohol passes from the mother to the baby through the bloodstream.

Alcohol consumption by pregnant women is considered to cause serious health issue called Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS). Various effects of this condition include mild to severe brain damage, low birth weight, and changes in facial structures of the baby. However, it even shows some long-term health issues such as behavioral and personality problems which result from the brain damage. Babies born with this condition may have learning disabilities, communication difficulties, etc. when they grow older.

Cocaine and crack use by pregnant women may cause miscarriage, early labor and birth, and low-sized baby birth. Methamphetamine effects on babies include small body size, birth defects, and increased heart rate. The internal organ development of the fetus is impaired by methamphetamine. They also suffer from certain long-term behavior-related effects such as hyperactivity, difficulty in concentration, learning disabilities and aggression. Marijuana usage by a pregnant woman also leads to premature birth and low-birth weight babies.

Smoking during pregnancy rises the risk of miscarriage or premature labor. The most primary danger associated with this is hindered fetal growth. Smoking is considered to reduce the ability of lungs to absorb alcohol. With this, the fetus cannot receive enough nourishment and oxygen which is responsible for its slower growth. In order to avoid the harmful effects in babies, it is strongly recommended to quit drug and alcohol abuse during pregnancy.