Drug use in Pregnancy
Drug use during
pregnancy is such an important subject to review and to become aware of. This area was one of the many mentioned in this
weeks reading and I wanted to create a blog post about some of the
seriousness that comes with drug usage. Authors Inaba and Cohen
(2011) of Uppers, Downers, All Arounders express that “the health
of both the mother and the child should be the primary focus of drug
abuse in pregnancy” (p. 8.19). This statement I fully agree with
and feel that all mothers as well as mothers to be should focus on
their well being for the benefit of their baby. The effects of drugs
on a baby can range from the type of drug used, but all can cause a
physical or mental issue. 
Take for example the use of a drug like marijuana and even alcohol can create behavior problems in early childhood. A baby that is exposed to cocaine can have a tendency to have a smaller head which indicates a lower IQ, as it was noted on the webMD.com website. The consequences in drug use when pregnant are serious for moms to know about and to become familiar with. This can help them to think before doing, inform others on the dangers and help them become educated on the subject. I also feel that it is helpful mothers knowing that “non-judgmental information a long with sufficient prenatal care and drug treatment programs have proven to be the most effective methods in preventing” (Inaba & Cohen, 2011, p. 8.19).
References
(n.d.). Drug Use and Pregnancy. Webmd.com. Retrieved March 25, 2014, from http://www.webmd.com/baby/drug-use-and-pregnancy
Inaba, D. S., & Cohen, W. E. (2011). Uppers, Downers, All Arounders Physical and Mental Effects of Psychoactive Drugs (7th ed.). Oregon: CNS Productions, Inc.
Images from Microsoft Clipart
Hi Sophia,
ReplyDeleteThis is an excellent overview about the effects of drugs on unborn children. Just recently I did a rotation at a neonatal intensive care unit where a three month only baby was being treated for an opioid withdrawal. Child protective services had to get involved and permanently removed the child from the home. By the time my rotation ended, the baby has been adopted by another family. What scares me about situations like these is the long term effects of the drug on the physical and intellectual growth of the child. Learning disabilities usually cannot be detected until the child is around the age of 4 or older so parents will have to be prepared. It would greatly benefit the children of our future if we continue to educate women about the harmful effects of drugs on not only their personal health, but their babies as well.