How many babies are born with drugs in their system?
Sadly, it’s not just adults that are afflicted by this troublesome trend. Over 20,000 babies are born each year dependent on illegal or prescription drugs and suffer neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS), a type of opiate withdrawal. That’s the equivalent of one baby every 25 minutes.
What happens to babies born to mothers on drugs?
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).
How do drugs cause birth defects?
Drugs taken by a pregnant woman reach the fetus primarily by crossing the placenta, the same route taken by oxygen and nutrients, which are needed for the fetus’s growth and development. However, drugs that do not cross the placenta may still harm the fetus by affecting the uterus or the placenta.
Can newborn babies be addicted to drugs?
Newborn drug withdrawal happens when a baby is exposed to addictive drugs while still in the mother’s womb. The baby can develop a dependency on the drug and may have withdrawal symptoms shortly after birth.
What are signs of a drug baby?
Symptoms that the newborn is suffering from neonatal abstinence syndrome may include:
- Crying that is excessive and/or high-pitched.
- Irritability.
- Trouble sleeping.
- Excessive sucking.
- Poor feeding, slow weight gain.
- Diarrhea, vomiting.
- Fever.
- Blotchy skin.
Can a baby be addicted to drugs?
Is it crime to use drugs during pregnancy?
In fact, Tennessee is the only state that criminalizes drug use during pregnancy. For most other states, mandatory testing or treatment may be used. In some states, a pregnant woman may be charged with child abuse and have her child taken away upon birth.
Should we use cannabis during pregnancy?
More women are using cannabis while they’re pregnant according to a new study. The study found that women using cannabis while pregnant increased from nearly 2 percent to 3.4 percent. Experts say early research shows that cannabis use during pregnancy may cause neurological effects as well as potentially raise the risk of autism.
What medications are safe to take while pregnant?
COMMON MEDICATIONS SAFE IN PREGNANCY Clindamycin ACNE: Benzoyl Peroxide Topical Erythromycin . Salicylic Acid. AVOID: Accutane Metamucil. Retin-A . Tetracycline . Minocycline
What can marijuana use during a pregnancy cause?
Studies show that marijuana use during pregnancy may be harmful to a baby’s health and cause a variety of problems, including: Fetal growth restriction (when a baby doesn’t gain the appropriate amount of weight before birth). Long-term brain development issues affecting memory, learning, and behavior