The effects of alcohol, street drugs, and over the counter medications during pregnancy?

Answer 1

There are too many effects within each of the categories. First of all: Virtually all illegal drugs, such as heroin and cocaine, pose dangers to a pregnant woman. Legal substances, such as alcohol and tobacco, are also dangerous, and even medical drugs, both prescription and over-the-counter, can be harmful.

Alcohol is one of the most dangerous drugs for pregnant women, especially in the early weeks. In the mother’s body, alcohol breaks down chemically to a cell-damaging compound that is readily absorbed by the fetus. Heavy drinking during early pregnancy greatly increases the risk of a cluster of birth defects known as fetal alcohol syndrome. This cluster includes a small skull (microcephaly), abnormal facial features, and heart defects, often accompanied by impeded growth and mental retardation. Heavy drinking in later pregnancy may also impede growth.

Many medications have side effects that are potentially harmful during pregnancy, but their benefits may outweigh their risks. A woman should consult her doctor or midwife before taking any drug, even one sold over the counter. Below are a few examples of medical drugs that must be used with extreme caution or avoided altogether.

Cocaine (including crack) and methamphetamine (speed, or ice) are powerful stimulants of the central nervous system. They suppress the mother’s appetite and exert other drastic forces on her body, causing the blood vessels to constrict, the heart to beat faster, and the blood pressure to soar. The growth of the fetus may be hindered, and there are higher risks of miscarriage, premature labor, and a condition called abruptio placentae (the partial separation of the placenta from the uterus wall, causing bleeding).

Heavy narcotics use increases the danger of premature birth with such accompanying problems for the infant as low birthweight, breathing difficulties, low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), and bleeding within the head (intracranial hemorrhage).

The babies of narcotics-dependent mothers are often born dependent themselves and suffer withdrawal symptoms, such as irritability, vomiting and diarrhea, and joint stiffness.

Women who inject narcotics may become infected with the HIV virus from dirty needles and may subsequently develop AIDS. HIV-infected women obviously run a high risk of passing the virus on to their babies.

PCP (phencyclidine, or angel dust) taken late in pregnancy can cause newborns to have withdrawal symptoms, such as lethargy alternating with tremors.

Studies of marijuana use by pregnant women are inconclusive, because marijuana is often used with other drugs, such as tobacco and alcohol. Like them, it is associated with premature birth and low-birthweight babies.

Further information can be provided by the website below.

Answer 2

I hope this isn't a serious question.
The effects of over the counter - depends on which ones. Some your doctor might approve of, some can be very, very dangerous.
Alcohol & street drugs - to the extreme of death to your baby. Not to mention, if not - they can be born an addict or with permanent damage. Actually, they most likely will have permanent damage. And if you need to know anything more than that - you shouldn't get pregnant. If you have any problem with substances - go get help ASAP. Many places offer help for free while pregnant.

Health Risks Associated with Drug Abuse

Mother
Poor Nutrition
High Blood Pressure
Rapid Heart Beat
Low Weight Gain
Low Self Esteem
Preterm Labor
Sexually Transmitted Disease
Early Delivery
HIV/AIDS
Depression
Physical Abuse

Baby
Prematurity
Low Birth Weight
Infections
Small Head Size
Sudden Infant Death Syndrome
Birth Defects
Stunted Growth
Poor Motor Skills
HIV/AIDS
Learning Disabilities
Neurological Problems

http://www.wprc.org/preghealth.phtml

Answer 3

you shouldnt take any of that stuff during pregnancy it can cause birth defects and you dont want to hurt your baby but if you are you need to get help.

Answer 4

very bad! The baby will have severe problems