FETAL DRUG EFFECTS FROM PREGNANT MOTHERS TAKING DRUGS

Having a baby is a big choice by a single parent. Planning on having a baby is a joy to most parents, and they look forward to the newborn coming into the world. It is a tough decision by a young single parent to have a baby. There are mothers who have no means to care for their newborn, and no money. The have a choice to carry the baby to full term and give it up for adoption, or keep their baby.

In my small city of 150,000 there is an abortion clinic that can help with the decision of whether to abort the baby or find other ways of keeping their baby. There has been a heated debate with another van parked outside of the Abortion Clinic that have help outside of the clinic by trying to get the mothers to come in, and get an assessment on their baby. They encourage the mothers not to abort their child, and show them the exact month of the unborn fetus. A few years ago the Physician giving the abortions was murdered by an angry person. I personally feel that it is not my decision to tell someone what to do with their body. They have to confuse to God about what they did in not wanting their baby.

I would recomment that the Health Department who give out free birth control pills, should be there, in case there is no pregancy, to give preventive care with birth control pills. The health dept. will give young girls the pills without their parents consent. I do think that the parents should know about the health of a minor child.

There is also the possibility that the mother was on drugs when she conceived the baby, and possible damage to the unborn child has already occurred. There should be more preventive care for mothers on drugs and alcohol to give them birth control. There are a lot of effects that can occur when the mother was on drugs.

Birth defects can occur from:

ALCOHOL

There is a Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) that happens when the mother has been a heavy drinker during her pregnancy. The child can have some mental retardation, and their features can be effected. Death can also occur when the mother has been an extreme drinker. Most of the children have behavior disorders.

COCAINE

Taking a sample of the mother's urine will detect some of the drugs in the baby and mother. Cocaine constricts the blood vessels in the baby, and they can't get the necessary oxygen that they need. The drug also passed through the wall of the placenta to the baby. It is a very dangerous situation to continue to use drugs while pregnant. The baby's nervous system is also affected from the effects of cocaine.

MARIJUANA AND TOBACCO

It has been known that marijuana will increase the risk of a premature baby. There are also some physical birth defects to the baby. Smoking will decrease the intake of oxygen to the baby. It is best to refrain from these drugs incuding smoking, when the mother is pregnant.

HEROIN AND METHADONE

Taking either one of these drugs will affect the new born, and will be absorbed into the baby's blood streams. It is better to take methadone than not take a preventive for heroin. The baby will be affected as they grow older, in size, metal alertness and delays.

It is best not to use drugs when the mother is pregnant, because of the birth defects to the baby. If the mother has an addiction she should consult with specialized health professionals, and stay under their treatment plans.

As a foster parent I have seen so many affected childred with all kinds of mental problems and diagnosis. A lot of them are bipolar and other severe mental health problems. Everyone involved in the treatment of foster children are sadden by the abuse of the mother to their unborn child.

SUMMARY

It is easy for all of us to tell mothers not to use drugs, but it is hard for them to stop. If you are pregnant or know someone that is pregnant, try to get them to seek counselling.  Your talking will not get them them to stop.