What Kind Of Drugs Can Harm A Developing Baby?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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Illegal drugs such as

marijuana, cocaine, and methamphetamine

aren't the only drugs that are harmful to fetal development; Commonly used over-the-counter medicines, along with substances such as caffeine and alcohol, can have lasting effects on an unborn child.

What are 4 harmful substances to a developing fetus?

These include certain

chemicals, medications, social drugs, alcohol, smoking, and infections

.

How does drugs affect the developing fetus?

Drugs that a pregnant woman takes during pregnancy can affect the fetus in several ways:

They can act directly on the fetus, causing damage, abnormal development

(leading to birth defects. They are usually obvious within the first year of life. The cause of many birth… read more ), or death.

Which substance has a harmful effect on a developing fetus?


Cocaine

is one of the most harmful drugs to unborn babies. Cocaine can cause a woman to miscarry and may cause preterm birth, bleeding, fetal death and fetal strokes, which can lead to brain damage and death.

Which drug should be avoided in pregnancy?

Drug Found in
Aspirin

Bayer; Excedrin Migraine
Bismuth subsalicylate Kaopectate; Pepto Bismol Bromphen-iramine Dimetapp Cold and Allergy Caffeine Anacin Regular Strength; Excedrin Extra Strength; Excedrin Migraine

How long does drugs stay in a fetus system?

These tests detect recent use of cocaine and its metabolites, amphetamines, marijuana, barbiturates, and opiates. Cocaine can be detected in urine 6-8 hours after use in the mother and

as long as 48-72 hours after use in the

.

How can you tell if a baby is born addicted to drugs?

Signs of newborn drug withdrawal depend on the drug and include

blotchy skin, diarrhea, fussiness, fever, vomiting, tremors, and slow development

. Substances that can cause newborn drug withdrawal include illegal drugs like cocaine, heroin, and marijuana, as well as a number of prescription medications.

What can affect a fetus?

Factors affecting fetal growth can be maternal, placental, or fetal. Maternal factors include

maternal size, weight, weight for height, nutritional state, anemia

, high environmental noise exposure, cigarette smoking, substance abuse, or uterine blood flow.

What birth defects are caused by chemicals?

Exposure to organic solvents during the first trimester of pregnancy can increase the risk of birth defects like

spina bifida, heart defects, clubfoot and deafness THIRTEEN-FOLD

.

What birth defects are caused by teratogens?

During this time, teratogens can cause

neural tube defects such as spina bifida

. Some organs are sensitive to teratogens during the whole pregnancy. This includes the baby's brain and spinal cord. Alcohol affects the brain and spinal cord, so it can cause harm at any time during pregnancy.

What are 6 complications of pregnancy?

  • High blood pressure. High blood pressure occurs when the arteries that carry blood from the heart to the organs and the placenta are narrowed. …
  • Gestational diabetes. …
  • Preeclampsia. …
  • Preterm labor. …
  • Miscarriage. …
  • Anemia. …
  • Infections. …
  • Breech position.

Is caffeine a teratogen?

In humans,

caffeine does not present any teratogenic risk

. The increased risk of the most common congenital malformations entailed by moderate consumption of caffeine is very slight.

What are 4 teratogens?

Teratogens are classified into four types:

physical agents, metabolic conditions, infection, and finally, drugs and chemicals

. The word teratogen originates from the Greek word for monster, teratos.

How can I have a beautiful baby during pregnancy?

  1. See your doctor or midwife as soon as possible.
  2. Eat well.
  3. Take a supplement.
  4. Be careful about food hygiene.
  5. Exercise regularly.
  6. Begin doing pelvic floor exercises.
  7. Cut out alcohol.
  8. Cut back on caffeine.

Which antibiotic is not safe in pregnancy?

Some antibiotics are known to be teratogenic and should be avoided entirely during pregnancy. These include

streptomycin and kanamycin

(which may cause hearing loss) and tetracycline (which can lead to weakening, hypoplasia, and discoloration of long bones and teeth).

Which food can cause miscarriage?

  • Dec 17, 2020. ​Foods that can cause miscarriage. …
  • ​Pineapple. Pineapple contains bromelain, which softens the cervix and can start untimely labour contractions, resulting in a miscarriage. …
  • ​Sesame seeds. …
  • ​Raw eggs. …
  • ​Unpasteurized milk. …
  • ​Animal liver. …
  • ​Sprouted Potato. …
  • ​Papaya.
Maria LaPaige
Author
Maria LaPaige
Maria is a parenting expert and mother of three. She has written several books on parenting and child development, and has been featured in various parenting magazines. Maria's practical approach to family life has helped many parents navigate the ups and downs of raising children.