Drug Abuse

Drug Use/Abuse

Drugs can cause a wide range of abnormalities and birth defects when a parent/caregiver uses/abuses drugs while pregnant and into early infancy. The severity of the impact on the child’s development depends on the amount of the chemical the mother is exposed to, the developmental stage of the fetus, and the period of time over which the mother's exposure to the chemical takes place. Women who are addicted to heroin, cocaine, morphine, or methadone will give birth to babies who have become addicted to the drug as well. The babies will begin to show symptoms of withdrawal soon after birth. Prenatal exposure to drugs, alcohol or nicotine also affect neurocognitive processes in the child associated with a variety of behavioral problems[31] in children’s early and later development.

Smoking Cigarettes

Smoking is hazardous for the fetus and the newborn child and can result in babies who are about one-half pound lighter and smaller in all dimensions than babies of nonsmokers, are born prematurely, and have other health problems.

Alcohol

Fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS), identified in 1973, is a pattern of malformations in which the most serious effect is mental retardation. Other possible complications in children with FAS include permanent growth retardation, malformations of the face, brain damage, hyperactivity and learning disabilities, and heart defects.

Childhood Behavior and Characteristics associated with Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS), Alcohol-Related Neurodevelopmental Disorder (ARND), and Alcohol-Related Birth Defects (ARBD)[32]

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