Illegal drugs are harmful to those who consume it regardless of age, sex, race etc. However, it is even more harmful during pregnancy since everything the mother to be consumes will also be consumed by the baby to be. Since the unborn baby is not developed completely, the effect drugs have will be even worse as the unborn baby will not be able to clear it off as quickly as an adult.
Some of the common effects of illegal drugs are miscarriage, low birth weight, premature birth, placental abruption, fetal death etc. The long term effects as the child grows are learning difficulties, behavioural problems etc.
Some of the common drugs and their side effects during pregnancy are as follows:
Marijuana
- Restricts oxygen supply to the baby
- Increases the supply of carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide
- May lead to premature births, low birth weight, miscarriage, delays in development, learning and behavioural problems
Cocaine
- May lead to miscarriage, placental abruption, premature birth, fetal death, growth issues and kidney, brain, genitals deficiency
