1. The Effects of Drug Use on a Developing Fetus

2. The first trimester of a pregnancy (first 3 months; typically from 17 days after conception to 70 days) is most critical for development; the fetus is most significantly affected by drug use during this time because the main body systems are developing (respiratory system, nervous system – spinal cord and brain, circulatory system, digestive system, excretory system)

3. Drug use during the first trimester may result in significant birth defects and organ development

4. Some drug use occurring during the final trimester (especially the last 12 weeks) is significantly responsible for stunted fetal development and pre- term labour and delivery

5. Alcohol Fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) refers to a serious of symptoms commonly found in children whose mothers drank heavily during pregnancy Symptoms include: –Small head circumference –Indistinct filtrum (below nose, above upper lip) –Thin upper lip –Deformed teeth –Smaller in birth weight –Heart defects –Lower overall IQ (less than 70); learning difficulties –‘Failure to thrive’

6. Physical symptoms will become less noticeable with age Psychological symptoms (lack of reciprocal social relationships, poor impulse control, mental handicaps) do not diminish with age Fetal Alcohol Effects (FAE) is more common; symptoms are present but to a lesser extent

7. For both FAS and FAE, there is no cure, however, symptoms can be treated to some extent FAS and FAE are 100 % preventable with no consumption of alcohol during pregnancy – there is no ‘safe’ level of alcohol consumption Brick, J. (2005). Fetal Drug Effects. Retrieved March 8, 2010, from http://www.intoxikon.com/Pubs/Facts%20on%20FETAL%20DRUG%20EFFECTS_4_ 7_05.pdf

9. Cocaine ‘Snow Babies’ Because of the low molecular weight of cocaine, it freely flows through the blood between mother and fetus; the fetus feels the maximum effect of the mother’s dose Cocaine constricts blood vessels and diminishes blood flow, hence oxygen delivery to body organs

10. Symptoms of cocaine’s effects on fetus include: –Decreased size –Decreased head size –Increased risk of placenta rupture/pulling away from the uterine wall –Premature birth –Increased fetal heart rate & blood pressure, cerebral hemorrhaging, heart deformities –At birth, poor visual processing, abnormal sleep patterns, tremors, poor feeding habits, transient nervous system irritability; muscle spasms –Impaired sucking response –Kidney and breathing difficulties –Miscarriage, stillbirth, death –Other long term effects are not yet known; learning difficulties

11. Babies born to mothers who used cocaine while pregnant exhibited symptoms including: –Tremors –Sleeplessness –Muscle spasms –Sucking difficulties

13. Marijuana Fetal symptoms of maternal drug use include: –Premature birth –Small birth size (length, weight, head circumference) –Delayed development –Immaturity of the central nervous system –Suspected craniofacial deformities similar to FAS –Poor visual tracking to stimuli; diminished ability to pay attention –Fine tremors –Increased startle response –Behavioural disorders –Decreased tissue oxygenation due to diminished oxygen available in mother’s blood –Breathing impairments –Miscarriages, stillbirth

14. Babies born to moms who used marijuana heavily will have withdrawal effects including nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, irritability, joint stiffness

15. Heroin Fetal symptoms include: –Diminished head circumference –Lower birth weight and body length –Premature births –Stillbirths, miscarriages –Breathing difficulties –Intracranial bleeding

17. Methadone Used for treating heroin addicts Fetal symptoms include: –Poorer fine and gross motor coordination –May have poorer cognitive processing capabilities or at least delays in development

18. Conclusion In all cases of drug use and abuse during pregnancy, there are no positive effects for fetal development Fetal risks range from gross dysmorphology to behavioural disorders, to mental handicaps Increased financial costs are to be expected as well due to hospitalization and medical treatments Abstinence is clearly the best prevention

19. Acquilano, N. (n.d.). Fetal Alcohol and Drug Effects. Retrieved March 8, 2010 from http://drug- abuse.suite101.com/article.cfm/fetal_alcohol_and_drug_effects_fad e American Council for Drug Education. (1999). Facts for Parents. Retrieved March 8, 2010 from http://www.acde.org/parent/Pregnant.htm Brick, J. (2005). Fetal Drug Effects. Retrieved March 8, 2010, from http://www.intoxikon.com/Pubs/Facts%20on%20FETAL%20DRUG %20EFFECTS_4_7_05.pdf http://www.intoxikon.com/Pubs/Facts%20on%20FETAL%20DRUG %20EFFECTS_4_7_05.pdf March of Dimes. (2010). Illicit Drug Use During Pregnancy. Retrieved March 8, 2010, from https://www.marchofdimes.com/professionals/14332_11 69.asp NARCONON. (n.d.) Drug Rehabilitation and Addiction Treatment Centres. Retrieved March 8, 2010, from http://www.addictionca.com/drug-use-pregnancy.htm