Drug Addicted Babies |
35) Drug Addicted
Babies
An
unborn baby depends on his mother for nourishment. When a pregnant woman drinks
alcohol or takes drugs, she risks damaging her unborn child. The good news is
that alcohol or drug-related birth defects can be prevented. The only thing the
mother has to do during her pregnancy is to not drink alcohol or take drugs.
All pregnant women should avoid all alcohol and any drugs unless prescribed by
a healthcare provider.
A
baby is at risk for many preventable problems if the mother drinks alcohol,
including beer and wine, during pregnancy. Babies born to mothers who drink can
develop fetal alcohol syndrome. It is uncertain how much alcohol it takes to
create a fetal alcohol syndrome infant. Fetal alcohol syndrome is one of three
leading causes of physical and mental birth defects.
The following symptoms are characteristic of fetal alcohol
syndrome:
" small
size, particularly the head
" clubfoot,
"strawberry
"
birthmarks, or facial deformities
" mental retardation " learning
disabilities
"
behavioral problems
" jittery gait and lack of coordination and
" problems with the liver, kidneys, heart,
and joints
The
physical damage of alcohol on a developing fetus lasts a lifetime. Any alcohol
that a mother drinks puts her unborn baby at risk. Even modest drinkers have
more miscarriages and stillborn babies than nondrinkers. When there is alcohol
in the mother's blood, it is in her unborn baby's blood as well. Many of these
babies suffer alcohol withdrawal, which can last from 1 week up to 6 months
with signs of agitation, tremors, and seizures.
Infants whose mothers took drugs, such as cocaine or heroin,
during their pregnancy may go through withdrawal at birth. Symptoms that may
range from mild to severe include hyperactivity, sleep and feeding problems, a
high-pitched cry, fussiness, breathing problems, diarrhea, vomiting, and
convulsions.
For
mild symptoms, gentle handling, frequent feedings, and quiet, cozy surroundings
are helpful. Treatment may include oxygen if there is trouble breathing. Severe
symptoms may require drug therapy as well.
Infants with drug withdrawal may be more prone to respiratory
distress and sudden infant death syndrome. These infants should be watched
closely. Their long-term development may also be affected. Many drug-addicted
babies are slower in their development later on in life, and often have to
attend special needs schools.
Get
help for the mother.
|
| |
If you, or
someone you love is suffering from drug addiction, the time to do something
about it is now.
Our staff are standing by to help you find the
addiction treatment that will turn a life around and help begin recovery
now...
Just call the number below
Call Toll Free
866-649-1594 or use the form
here. |
|
|