Pregnancy and Substance Abuse: Understand the Risks

Pregnancy causes major changes in your body. Almost every system in your body has to make adjustments to support the baby who’s growing inside you. Your blood volume increases, your heart beats faster and harder, and your circulatory system works harder to pump oxygen-rich blood to the baby. You breathe faster, but your lung capacity may slowly decrease because of your expanding uterus, which may make breathing more difficult. Even your digestive system undergoes changes. Of course, it’s no secret that women’s hormone levels fluctuate dramatically during pregnancy as well.

All the while, the baby growing inside you is growing and developing. They’re going through even more significant changes than you, and those changes are taking place more quickly. Substance abuse can have serious negative effects on your baby’s growth and development. If you’re pregnant and living with substance abuse, consider turning to a drug detox center in Los Angeles for your health as well as that of your baby.

Understanding the Risks of Substance Abuse During Pregnancy

Everything you put into your body affects your baby in one way or another. Healthy foods that are rich in vitamins and minerals help them grow and develop properly. On the other hand, alcohol, drugs, and even some prescription medications can have the opposite effects. Read on to learn more about how substance abuse can impact your baby.

Slowed Growth

For one, alcohol, illicit drugs, and even nicotine can affect a developing baby’s growth rate. These substances can reduce blood flow to the baby and interfere with the amount of oxygen your baby receives during pregnancy. They can also prevent essential vitamins and minerals from reaching the baby and hamper their ability to absorb nutrients properly. All of those issues can lead to slowed growth and low birth weight, causing babies to be much smaller at birth than they should be.

Problems With Organ Development

Substance abuse during pregnancy can cause problems with a baby’s organ development as well. Its effects often include heart and kidney defects. Alcohol consumption during pregnancy can lead to muscle and bone deformities. Certain substances can interfere with the way a fetus’s lungs and digestive system develop. Some can cause outwardly visible birth defects as well, such as facial abnormalities.

Interfering With Brain Development

Using certain substances during pregnancy can interfere with the way your baby’s brain and nervous system develop too. Consuming alcohol while you’re pregnant may lead to learning disabilities and problems with coordination. Many drugs can cause cognitive and behavioral problems as your child grows. They may also cause your child to struggle with concentration and have difficulties interacting with other children.

Withdrawal After Birth

Finally, substance abuse during pregnancy can cause your baby to have withdrawal symptoms after birth. Your baby could be born dependent on the substances you used during pregnancy. For babies, withdrawal symptoms generally include irritability, trouble sleeping, and difficulties with feeding. Opioid withdrawal in newborns can cause stiff limbs, excessive crying, tremors, and seizures.

Overcoming Substance Abuse for a Healthy Baby

Abusing alcohol, illicit drugs, and certain prescription medications can have several negative effects on your health. If you’re pregnant, the impacts of substance abuse on your baby can be even more serious. They could affect your baby for their entire life as well. Getting help at any point during your pregnancy will greatly reduce the risks for your baby and give them a better chance for a happy, healthy, normal life.