Pregnancy is a time in which choices made by the woman can immediately and directly affect the health of her baby. There is no safe level of consumption of alcohol, tobacco, marijuana, or other drugs and substances during pregnancy because all impose great risks to the baby’s health and development. While it may not be entirely clear what specific dangers exist, these professionals caution that ALL such substances— even those believed by some individuals to be absolutely harmless — can create complications for babies and mothers too. This article will discuss in simple terms what substance use dangers are during pregnancy, major highlights, and tips on how one can keep herself healthy and avoid such dangers.
Why Using Substances Might Be Risky During Pregnancy
The placenta is the means through which nutrients are supplied to the baby, and at the same time, it allows oxygen to flow but does not have an inbuilt capacity to filter out all possible harmful elements from reaching the baby. Much damage that can be inflicted on a child relates to growth and brain development aside from general health. Even products infused with marijuana—substances some people consider harmless can also create problems for children.
A psychiatrist at a leading university says, “Many substances cause damage to the baby’s development. These include marijuana, nicotine from cigarettes or vaping, alcohol, methamphetamines, and heroin.” Most of these conditions are very severe. Some may be permanent.
Key Dangers of Substance Use During Pregnancy
Here are the main risks of using substances during pregnancy:
- Miscarriage or Fetal Death: The use of such substances may include nicotine or cocaine. Miscarriage precipitated by the use of such substances.
- Birth Defects: Such anomalies may be physical or mental. The consumption of alcohol, drugs, and tobacco among other substances may result in the consumption of fruit. The anomalies relate to heart defects and brain issues.
- Problems of growth: Substances such as alcohol, nicotine, cocaine, and opioids will not allow proper growth of the baby hence they come with problems related to low birth weight and other issues related to preterm delivery.
- Fetal Alcohol Syndrome: It is by drinking that most often women ingest, and if they do, the baby has a permanent condition known as fetal alcohol syndrome. This predominantly impacts the area of the brain and behavior.
- Withdrawal in babies: can last for weeks after birth from alcohol, tobacco, or drugs. Some shake. Some have problems feeding.
- Long-term Problems: These babies may have intellectual disabilities or behavioral problems later in life.
Statistics on Substance Use During Pregnancy
Recent data shows how common substance use is among pregnant women:
- Fourteen percent of pregnant women report using alcohol.
- Eight percent report using illicit drugs.
- Seven percent report using tobacco, with much higher rates-about twenty-five percent in some places, such as West Virginia.
- Overdose deaths in pregnant or recently pregnant women have increased threefold from 2018 to 2021.
Why Quitting Is Hard but Must Be Done
Nobody thinks it’s easy for women to just stop using substances during pregnancy, particularly if they are battling mental health challenges. Professionals indicate that 50% of the women in treatment for substance use also have post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms. It is difficult for most women to withdraw, and in their past lives, quit owing individuals were both physically and emotionally abused. But quitting will give the baby a good healthy start.
Doctors may prescribe medications. For example, the use of nicotine replacement is much safer than continuing to smoke. The level of risk in using these treatments compared with the risk of continuing to use harmful substances is very low.
How to Protect Your Baby
If you are pregnant or thinking about getting pregnant, here’s how you can protect your baby:
- Stay Away from Harmful Substances: Don’t use alcohol, tobacco, marijuana, or illegal drugs.
- Talk to a healthcare provider: If you’re having trouble quitting ask your doctor about safe ways to get treatment.
- Have regular health checks: Early medical help can find and treat any problems that substance use has caused.
- Get help for mental health: If you feel stress anxiety or trauma counseling will help keep you well during pregnancy.
- Go to support groups: Being with others who are also quitting substances gives strength and tips.
The Importance of Early Help for Babies
Babies who have gone through substance exposure during pregnancy may need special pediatric care observation for any sickness that happens after birth. Support in terms of mental help for the child, when and if needed as he grows up is also important. Early intervention yields high returns; hence, problems like developmental delay or behavioral issues must be addressed at the onset.
Raising Awareness
Warnings are shared by experts so that people may know, particularly at times leading up to days like International Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders Awareness Day on September 9. Know the risks; pregnant women will decide better and make choices that will help protect their babies.
A healthy baby is the best gift that you can give your child. By staying away from substances and seeking help, a woman will have a healthier pregnancy and the baby will get an improved beginning.
