Street Drugs and Pregnancy
Donald Aulds, M.D.
When a pregnant woman uses illegal drugs, she is placing herself and her baby at risk of complications – of which many can lead to death. Studies have suggested that, if either of the parents is using drugs at the time of conception, the use may increase risk of complications during pregnancy including miscarriage. Consumption of illegal drugs is not safe for either the mother or baby and may result in low birth weight, premature labor, premature separation of the placenta from the uterine wall (a condition known as placenta abruption), fetal deaths, maternal deaths and even learning and physical disabilities after birth.
Marijuana:
Effect: four times more dangerous than cigarette smoking with three times more tar in the lungs and five times more carbon monoxide
In women, marijuana may upset menstrual cycles and decrease sexual interest and response. In men, it may lower blood testosterone, lower sperm count, lead to impotency and affect the ability of the man to get a woman pregnant. Studies have shown that marijuana increases carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide in the blood, reducing oxygen delivery. In pregnancy, the chemicals pass through the placenta and reduce the amount of oxygen delivered to the baby. When oxygen is decreased, the risks include a greater risk of miscarriage, low birth weight, premature births, developmental changes and learning and behavior problems. Most studies have not shown an increase in birth defects in humans; however, animal studies have shown increased fetal abnormalities. Limited data is available to make a definite analysis in humans. Also, if the mother smokes marijuana throughout the pregnancy, the baby may show withdrawal patterns after birth.
Cocaine and Crack:
In non-pregnant women, these substances can lead to decreased energy, sleep disturbances, memory loss, and mental disturbances. In pregnancy, cocaine and crack crosses the placenta and is not removed easily from the baby’s blood stream. So it stays longer in the baby’s body. Use of the drugs in early pregnancy can increase risk of miscarriage and, in animals, has caused malformations of the nervous system, brain, kidneys and genitals. Continued use in pregnancy often leads to placenta abruption, premature labor, premature births and fetal deaths. Withdrawal from cocaine and crack in the newborn baby causes tremors, sleeplessness, muscle spasms and problems with feeding. Kids exposed to cocaine and crack during pregnancy may show learning difficulties in early preschool years that continue throughout life. Recent studies suggest that use of cocaine and crack in pregnancy may lead to death of children in the first year of life, a condition called sudden infant death syndrome.
Heroin:
Effects: three times more stillbirths, four times more premature birth, and six times more growth problems that may extend even later in life
In women, heroin may decrease estrogen levels leading to infertility. In men, it may decrease testosterone levels leading to infertility, decreased libido, and atrophy of the male sex organs. In pregnancy, the drug crosses the placenta to the baby, likely leading to dependency. The use of heroin during pregnancy has been noted to cause low blood sugars in the baby, breathing difficulties, low birth weight, premature birth, bleeding within the brain (intracranial hemorrhage) and infant death. Withdrawal symptoms in the baby after birth can include convulsions, fever, irritability, diarrhea, sleep disorders and joint stiffness.
PCP and LSD:
These drugs are hallucinogens, and users often become violent and may cause harm to themselves and their babies. The drugs have been associated with low birth weight, poor muscle control, withdrawal symptoms after birth and brain damage of the infant. The withdrawal symptoms may include tremors and lethargy. Studies in animals have suggested that the drugs may cause birth defects, but the data is inconclusive in humans.
Methamphetamines:
These drugs are commonly called meth, speed, crystal, glass and crank. These drugs increase the heart rate of the mother and baby and can lead to decreased oxygen supply for the baby. They can lead to premature labor and delivery, miscarriage and placental abruption. Withdrawal symptoms in the newborn may include tremors, muscle spasms, sleeplessness and difficulty feeding. Studies strongly suggest that the children may have severe learning disorders.
Inhalants:
Pregnant women who habitually inhale such substances as glues, gasoline, paint thinner and cleaning fluids have been shown to have damage to their kidneys, increased blood pressure and increased heart rate. This exposure has been associated with an increased risk of miscarriage, smaller head and brain development, lower birth weight and kidney damage. These problems are shown as mental disorders, behavior problems and learning disabilities that will last a life time.
If you have used any illegal street drugs and have become pregnant, tell your physician so that help can be obtained for you. In many states, use of illegal drugs in pregnancy is considered a form of child abuse and may lead to termination of parental rights. This has to be reported to the Department of Human Resources. Some states require drug testing during pregnancy and, in certain states, exposure of the baby to drugs can result in prison terms. Be honest with your physician so help can be obtained for you and your baby.
More about Dr. Aulds
Donald G. Aulds, MD is an Obstetrician and Gynecologist and currently serves as the Medical Director for both the Women's Center and the Best Start Program of North Alabama. He is a Diplomat of the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Fellow of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.
Dr. Aulds completed his medical education at Louisiana State University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA and his Internship and Residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology at Ochsner Medical Foundation, New Orleans, LA.
Dr. Aulds has been an active member of the Huntsville Hospital Medical Staff since 1980.
