Many substances including alcohol, nicotine, and other drugs of abuse can have negative effects on the developing fetus because they are transferred to the fetus across the placenta.
For example, nicotine has been connected with premature birth and low birth weight as has the use of cocaine. Fetal Alcohol Syndrome is the most preventable cause of mental and physical birth defects in the United States. The solution is to not drink during pregnancy. Here are some articles written on that topic:
Dangers Of Drinking During Pregnancy: Facts on Fetal Alcohol Syndrome
Is It Safe To Drink When Pregnant?
Whether a baby’s health problems, if caused by a drug, will continue as the child grows, is not always known.
Research does show that children born to mothers who used marijuana regularly during pregnancy may have trouble concentrating, even when older. Research continues to produce insights on the effects of drug abuse on the fetus.
Related posts in Brain/Biology Chemistry
{ 4 comments… read them below or add one }
There was a time when the medical community thought the placenta was the great firewall that would prevent just about anything harmful from reaching the fetus. Now we know that it’s not true. For anyone who is pregnant, if you want a healthy baby, take care of yourself and don’t abuse your body.
From whatever I have read, heard or experienced so far, I feel that it can lead to lot of complications, I would strongly condemn any kind of addiction. Occasional drinking or smoking should also be avoided during pregnancy and while breast feeding the baby. I have seen two of my friends going through hell on account of their drinking habit during pregnancy.
It saddens me that many women still, to this day, think that an occasional smoke or drink while pregnant will not harm their children. What I say is why risk it? Even if you think that one beer won’t do any damage, it certainly will not do any good either. Stop being selfish, or if you need help, getting help while pregnant is an ideal time.
Even if you’re addicted to this drugs, you should think also the possibilities that your baby inside yours can be affected. It is better to prevent this defects than to be sorry for the carelessness during pregnancy.