Tobacco, although not illegal, is incredibly dangerous during pregnancy. Tobacco contains both nicotine and carbon monoxide, which are both very dangerous. Nicotine is a vasoconstrictor, which means that it narrows the blood vessels that carry oxygen and nutrients to the baby. It deprives the baby of oxygen and nutrients, as well as injuring the placenta (DiLeo). Nicotine also tends to suppress the appetite, which is harmful during pregnancy, when a good, healthy diet is necessary (“Drugs”). Carbon monoxide reduces the amount of oxygen available in the mother’s blood, which can effect the development of the baby. Tobacco, just like the other dangerous substances, has an array of possible dangerous effects to the baby. These effects include miscarriage, premature birth, low birth rate, learning problems and possible later health problems. An extreme, but very possible effect of nicotine is abruption. This is when there is a premature separation of the placenta, which causes hemorrhaging which can result in the death of the baby and possibly death of the mother.
Illegal drugs cause seriously detrimental effects on the fetus. These drugs include cocaine, crack, marijuana, heroin and other serious drugs. The use of these often lead to a miscarriage, still birth, premature birth, low birth rate, brain damage and different types of retardation. Often use of these drugs can cause the baby to become addicted to them. This causes the baby to have to go through the very painful experience of withdrawal (DiLeo). Withdrawal is one’s body’s reactions to going without drugs, when their bodies are used to the drugs. While going through withdrawal the baby becomes agitated and irritable, and can even possibly have convulsions. Illegal drugs are also harmful for the mother-to-be, as well, making her often not prepared to take care of a child.
Alcohol is also an extremely unsafe substance when used by an expecting mother. Heavy use of alcohol can lead to fetal alcohol syndrome. This can include an array of effects, such as low birth rate, growth retardation, behavior and cognitive problems, and various deformed physical features. Mental retardation is also common in babies suffering from fetal alcohol syndrome. This is something that the child and his or her parents will have to deal with throughout their whole lives, causing them to need a lifetime of care (“Drugs”). Even though fetal alcohol syndrome is associated with heavy drinking, any amount of alcohol consumed by someone pregnant is dangerous. It is important for the expecting mother to not drink any amount of alcohol at all. This is because the alcohol consumed goes to the baby, and therefore is consumed by the baby.
The effects of dangerous substances on a pregnant woman and her unborn baby are detrimental. It is of such importance that a pregnant woman takes care of herself and her baby while pregnant. The uses of tobacco, drugs and alcohol can cause the baby to develop many developmental and behavioral problems, along with an increased possibility of miscarriage and still birth. When looking at the possible effects of substance abuse, and who they are hurting, it is crucial for a woman to take the proper care.
Works Cited
DiLeo, Dr. Gerard M. “Drugs and Smoking.” Baby Zone. 16 March 2005.
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“Drugs and Pregnancy.” 1999. American Council for Drug Education. 16 March
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