Almost any drug will pass from a pregnant woman’s bloodstream through the placenta and then to the fetus. Substances that cause drug dependence and addiction in the mother can also cause the child to become addicted. This early drug exposure can cause complications that follow babies for the rest of their lives. Opiates, such as heroin and methadone, cause withdrawal in over half of babies exposed prenatally. Cocaine is associated with poor fetal growth, developmental delay, learning disabilities, and lower IQ in her child. Heroin and methadone can cause seizures and serious withdrawal symptoms in the baby, with some lasting four to six months. Prenatal use of amphetamines is associated with low birth weight and premature birth. Marijuana use is linked to babies with lower birth weights. Alcohol use in pregnancy can slow growth and cause deformities of the head and face, heart defects, and intellectual disabilities. Cigarette smoking while pregnant is associated with an increased risk for premature birth and stillbirth.
Babies who are addicted to drugs suffer from the symptoms of neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS). These drug-addicted infants can experience a wide range of symptoms, including loss of appetite, dehydration, fever, vomiting, diarrhea, gagging, hiccupping, color changes, fast breathing, tremors, difficulty sleeping, and convulsions. According to a study published in the New England Journal of Medicine, the number of addicted babies in U.S. neonatal intensive care units nearly quadrupled from 2004 to 2013.
Children born to an addicted parent often face continuing obstacles as they grow up, such as exposure to violence, poor nutrition, and continued maternal drug use. They also at an increased risk for medical, emotional, developmental, and behavioral issues as they grow up. These might include hyperactivity, impulsivity, attention problems, and higher rates of delinquency, criminal behavior, and substance abuse. Prenatal alcohol exposure is the most common, preventable cause of intellectual disability. IQ scores are lower in alcohol-exposed offspring, and they tend to have poorer memory and executive functioning skills.
On average, one baby is born dependent on opioids in the US every 19 minutes. Even after being released from the hospital, some children may still have to be treated with medication and physical therapy. It can cost upwards of $60,000 to treat one baby.
Some people argue that using drugs during pregnancy is tantamount to child abuse. A bill proposed this year in Kentucky would label babies born addicted to drugs as neglected and abused at birth. Mothers could have their parental rights terminated and lose their children if they do not enroll in a drug-treatment program. The state would begin processing the termination of parental rights to these children within 60 days of birth. Twenty-two states and the District of Columbia consider substance use during pregnancy to be child abuse under civil child-welfare statutes, and three consider it grounds for civil commitment.
If you or a loved one need help to quit drugs or alcohol, consider Asana Recovery. We offer medical detox, along with both residential and outpatient programs, and you’ll be supervised by a highly trained staff of medical professionals, counselors, and therapists. Call us any time at (949-438-4504).
