Many women who use illicit drugs during pregnancy will also use tobacco and alcohol. Because of this it is hard for medical professionals to draw real conclusion to which substance may have caused certain problems. The pregnant mothers who use substances of any kind are more prone to other unhealthy behaviors and risk factors like sexually transmitted diseases and poor nutrition habits. These can also directly effect the unborn baby.
Even over the counter medicines like aspirin should not be consumed while pregnant. They offer risks just like illicit drugs. Prescription medicines should be carefully considered by your doctor and it's a good idea to run them by your pharmacist as well just to be sure they are not harmful to the baby alone or in combination with other things you may take.
Pregnant women who use drugs and alcohol statistically will have babies that:
- have lower birth weight
- have trouble eating and/or sleeping
- have trouble seeing and/or hearing
- have issues with learning simple things
- have attention problems and problems in school
- may not be able to control their behavior well
- may not socially get along with others
- need special help from teachers
- need ongoing medical help due to issues relating to the prenatal drug use