What is one effect that drugs can have on an unborn baby?

Babies born to moms who use drugs often have problems later in life, including: Learning and behavior problems. Slower-than-normal growth. Sudden infant death syndrome (also called SIDS).

Can drugs affect a baby’s brain?

Most drugs of abuse easily cross the placenta and can affect fetal brain development. In utero exposures to drugs thus can have long-lasting implications for brain structure and function.

Can drugs cause birth defects?

These include breathing difficulties, poor muscle control, brain damage, learning difficulties, feeding difficulties, low birth weight, growth restriction, smaller head size, and many more. Also, teratogenic drugs can cause severe bleeding, preterm birth, and even fetal death.

Can you go to jail for doing drugs while pregnant?

Though you may be arrested for using illegal drugs, there are generally no additional criminal charges for doing so while pregnant. Two states, Alabama and South Carolina, have upheld criminal child abuse verdicts for prenatal illegal drug use, primarily on the grounds those states believe a viable fetus is a person.

What drugs do not cross the placenta?

DRUGS WHICH DO NOT CROSS THE PLACENTA

• All paralytics.
• Glycopyrrolate.
• Insulin.
• Heparin.

During what period of pregnancy are drugs most likely to cause harm to the Foetus?

However, by 26 weeks gestation, the foetal half-life of many drugs is still up to twice that of the mother. Thus, it is not surprising that drug accumulation and potential for foetal toxicity occur in late third trimester.

Are babies drug tested at birth?

Meconium is the traditional newborn drug testing specimen and usually passes within 48 hours of birth. Collection of meconium requires coordinated efforts, and the detection of drugs in meconium depends on many factors, including the quality and completeness of collection.