Pregnancy and Using illicit drugs
If you’re pregnant, the rule about using illicit drugs is simple: Don’t do it. Any and all illicit drug use can harm your baby. This includes cocaine, marijuana, heroin, methadone, LSD, phencyclidine (PCP), methamphetamine and any other kind of recreational or street drug.
While you’re pregnant, the drugs you take can pass from you to your baby. This can affect the development of the fetus and the future of your child as he or she grows up. It can also cause the death of your fetus or withdrawal symptoms in newborns that if untreated can lead to death.
For instance, if you use cocaine during pregnancy, you risk miscarriage, problems with the placenta, and preterm labor and childbirth. Cocaine also can cause growth restriction and birth defects. After delivery, cocaine can be passed from you to your baby in breast milk.
Dangers associated with drug use can harm you and your baby. Drugs that are used intravenously may cause infections, including human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), the AIDS virus. Money spent on drugs can take away from what’s needed to provide you and your family with health care, housing and nutrition.
If you find it difficult to stop using drugs, talk to your health care provider. He or she can help you find the help you need.
Tags: bad effects of drugs when pregnant, Healthy pregnancy, pregnancy advices, Pregnancy and Using illicit drugs, pregnancy tips
Posted in Pregnancy
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