Drugs for Two, Please

Substance abuse is not a foreign topic in this day in age. It has occurred in all societies since ancient times. Almost all drugs are known to have come effect on the fetus. Studies dating back for the 1960s reveal the effects of nicotine, alcohol, and opiate abuse has on the fetus. It is difficult to study these instances because of different sampling methods, drug-detection methods, and where women choose to be screened. It also depends on how the women are being tested, whether it is, hair, urine, or meconium. Out of all of the surveys conducted, one stands out. It was conducted by the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, sponsored by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. This study includes national and state level data. The survey collected this information mostly by taking urine and hair samples. It was discovered that the rate of cigarette smoking of 15-17 year olds was more common if you were pregnant. Illicit drug use was 4.4% more prevalent that those who were not pregnant. Alcohol use was at 10.9%. Binge drinking was 3.7% of those who were pregnant compared to 24.6 that were not. Cigarette use was at 16.3%.

Drugs can affect the fetus in multiple ways. Early in gestation, drugs have the most effect on the fetus. During the fetal period, after major developments have been made, drugs have more subtle effects.

Abstract

Marylou Behnke, MD, Vincent C. Smith, MD. (2013). Prenatal Substance Abuse: Short- and Long-term Effects on the Exposed Fetus. American Academy of Pediatrics, 131(3), doi: 10.1542/peds.2012-3931)