The effects of drugs on the fetus during pregnancy are very dangerous, especially if the child is born alive, as he faces many health problems. Drugs also negatively affect the health of the pregnant woman. In the following lines, we will review through Dalili Medical the harms of drugs and their effects on both the fetus and the mother, in addition to methods of treating addiction to avoid these risks.

**Does the father's addiction affect the health of the fetus?**

 

Research has shown that the sperm of an addicted father differs from that of a non-addicted father, which may negatively affect the health of the fetus.

**Can addiction lead to the death of fetuses?**

 

Yes, addiction can lead to the death of fetuses if the condition reaches a dangerous level. Therefore, the pregnant mother should pay great attention to this matter and seek treatment immediately before the problem worsens.

**Can a pregnant mother be treated for addiction?**

 

Yes, a pregnant mother can be treated for addiction, and the earlier this is done, the better. Treatment includes three medical stages including detoxification, psychological treatment, and social rehabilitation, under the supervision of a specialized medical team and continuous care during all stages of treatment.

Can a drug addict have children?

 

Yes, a drug addict can have children. However, it is important to realize that drug use during pregnancy can have serious negative effects on both the mother and the fetus. It is best for a drug addict to stop using drugs before trying to conceive. The negative effects vary depending on the type of drug, the amount used, and the duration of use. Drug use during pregnancy can increase the risk of health problems for the mother and fetus, such as miscarriage, problems with fetal growth, and behavioral and developmental problems in children.

If you or your partner is addicted to drugs and are planning to have children, it is essential to seek medical and psychological advice and support from health care professionals and addiction treatment specialists. Doctors and psychologists can help you develop a plan to get rid of drug addiction and ensure a safe pregnancy and a healthy fetus.

Is addiction a genetic disease?

 

The answer to the question of whether addiction is a genetic disease is related to the increased likelihood of children developing addiction if one of the parents is addicted to drugs. Genes play a major role in passing on pathological traits from parents, especially in cases of psychological and mental illnesses. Research has shown that children of addicted parents are four times more likely to develop addiction than normal people. However, this does not necessarily mean that addiction is genetically transmitted, as there are many other factors that contribute to its occurrence.

Do drug pills affect pregnancy?

 

No, drug pills do not prevent pregnancy. In fact, using them during pregnancy is very dangerous. Taking these pills during pregnancy can lead to serious problems for the fetus, including birth defects and health complications for the mother.

If you think you are pregnant or are planning to become pregnant, it is essential to completely abstain from using any type of drugs or narcotic pills. It is advisable to seek health care to ensure your safety and the safety of your fetus. It is always best to consult a doctor or health professional to help you deal with any health problems or challenges you may face during pregnancy.

Do drugs cause birth defects?

 

Yes, drug use during pregnancy can cause birth defects. The effects of drugs vary depending on the type, amount of use, and time of use during pregnancy. Common effects include:

- **Effects on organs and body**: Some drugs may cause abnormalities in organs such as the heart, liver, and kidneys.

- **Effects on development**: Drugs can hinder the growth and proper development of the fetus, which may lead to future problems.

- **Neurological effects**: Some drugs affect the neurological development of the fetus, which may cause developmental and educational problems later.

- **Blood vessel blockage**: Drug use may lead to blockage of blood vessels in the fetus, which increases the risk of miscarriage or premature birth.

- **Addiction at birth**: Drug use during pregnancy can lead to the fetus becoming addicted to these substances after birth, making it more vulnerable to health problems in the future.

**Effects of cannabis on the fetus and pregnant mother**

 

Children born to mothers who smoke cannabis or marijuana weigh 375 grams less than their peers who were not exposed to drugs. Another study found that fetal exposure to substances such as opioids in the womb increases the risk of low birth weight.

**The effects of alcohol on the fetus**

 

Drinking any amount of alcohol during pregnancy poses risks to your baby’s health. Drinking alcohol during pregnancy is the most common cause of intellectual disabilities and birth defects in European countries. So the only way to understand the effects of alcohol on the fetus is by looking at the statistics in those countries, and the best option is to abstain from alcohol during pregnancy. Simply put, when you drink alcohol, your unborn baby is exposed to it, as the alcohol passes through your blood to the umbilical cord. Alcohol can affect the development of the fetus’s brain, increasing the risk of birth defects, premature birth, and other complications such as fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASDs). In particular, exposure to alcohol during pregnancy may contribute to the development of fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS).

Memory problems

Poor emotional regulation

Hearing and vision impairment

Developmental disabilities

Increased risk of mental health disorders

Substance use disorders

Intellectual and learning disabilities

Speech delays

Low birth weight

Socialization problems

**Cocaine effects on pregnant mother and baby:**

 

Drugs interfere with pregnancy, especially when a pregnant mother uses more than one type of drug at a time, which exposes her and her fetus to serious complicationsDrug use during pregnancy may lead to their death together. If death does not occur, the mother may face the risk of developing cancer or viral infections as a result of using contaminated injections. The pregnant mother may also be exposed to problems such as placental abruption, recurrent miscarriage, and premature birth. The damage caused by drug use during pregnancy includes some of the following signs:

- Increased likelihood of birth defects.

- Risk of sudden infant death syndrome as a result of drug use.

- Frequent convulsions.

- Small head circumference due to drug use during pregnancy.

- Negative impact on memory.

- Disturbances in auditory and visual functions and poor concentration.

- Noticeable deficit in cognitive abilities and academic readiness.

- Significant weakness in verbal skills.

**How ​​do drugs affect pregnant women**

 

- **Premature rupture of membranes (PPROM)**: This occurs when the sac containing the fetus ruptures before 37 weeks of pregnancy, which may lead to infections.

- **Placental abruption**: This condition includes abdominal and back pain, in addition to vaginal bleeding, also known as early abruption.

- **Miscarriage**: is the loss of the fetus before 20 weeks of pregnancy, and the severity of bleeding and fluids and tissues that come out depends on the development of the condition, and may cause severe hormonal and emotional fluctuations.

- **Spontaneous abortion**: is often accompanied by abdominal pain and bleeding with tissue coming out of the vagina, in addition to lower back pain and severe hormonal and emotional fluctuations.

- **Placenta previa**: is a condition in which the placenta is low in the uterus, leading to covering part or all of the cervix.

- **Malnutrition**: A pregnant woman may suffer from severe vitamin deficiency due to malnutrition

Anemia resulting from iron and folic acid deficiency.

Severe high blood pressure.

Viral hepatitis.

Urinary tract infection.

Sexually transmitted diseases such as syphilis and gonorrhea.

Ulcers, boils, and serious medical complications resulting from the use of contaminated syringes, especially in addicted mothers during pregnancy.

Anemia resulting from iron and folic acid deficiency.

Severe high blood pressure.

Viral hepatitis.

Urinary tract infection.

Some sexually transmitted diseases such as syphilis and gonorrhea.

Ulcers, boils, and serious medical complications resulting from the use of contaminated syringes, especially in addicted mothers during pregnancy.

**Drug damage to the fetus in the first stage**

 

Drugs negatively affect the weight of the fetus, as medical studies have shown that fetuses whose mothers suffer from drug addiction are more likely to have a significant weight loss compared to children and fetuses born to non-addicted mothers. Some drugs, such as cocaine, cause severe contractions in the uterus due to strong pressure on the fetus's heart. Cocaine toxins lead to blockage of the placenta, which prevents blood flow to the fetus, which increases its heart rate and may lead to miscarriage or fetal death.

Among other harms of drugs on pregnancy, they lead to hormonal and cell imbalances, which may cause genetic mutations that lead to some types of serious cancers after the birth of the child.

Children born to addicted mothers may also suffer from some psychological and neurological diseases, such as hyperactivity. Studies have shown that drugs lead to mental abnormalities, which increases the likelihood of hyperactivity disorders compared to fetuses and children born to non-addicted mothers.

Drugs cause serious harm during pregnancy, as they can lead to serious abnormalities in the reproductive organs of fetuses, whether male or female. These abnormalities may completely impede the functions of these organs in the future.

Drugs also negatively affect fetuses by causing abnormalities within the tissues and membranes of cells, which leads to the destruction of the functions of some vital organs in the body and greatly affects their efficiency.

**Drugs' Harm to Late Pregnancy**

 

We now come to a very important point, which is the effect of drugs and their harms on pregnancy in the late stages, in addition to their effect on the birth process and the stages that follow after the birth of the child. The harms of drugs at this stage have serious consequences on the birth process and on the health of the child after birth.

The following are some of these harms:

Often to their early birth. Statistics related to natural birth and caesarean section have shown that there is a high percentage of early and complicated caesarean sections among addicted women compared to non-addicted women.

The harms of drugs on pregnancy are represented by the transmission of their effects to the child through the food that is transmitted through the blood through the placenta. Therefore, the child is affected by some symptoms immediately after birth, such as crying and screaming abnormally, in addition to sweating, nausea and other abnormal symptoms that may appear on a child born to an addicted mother. One of the harms caused by drugs in the late stages of pregnancy is their negative effect on the psychology of the infant. Newborns suffer from withdrawal symptoms that are sometimes similar to those experienced by adult addicts. American medical studies have shown that these children face difficulties in concentration, lack of attention, in addition to anxiety, sleep disorders and insomnia in an abnormal way. This is due to the mother's addiction to drugs during pregnancy, which necessitates the treatment of these children for these symptoms in addiction treatment hospitals and specialized rehabilitation centers. As for the effect of drugs on the fetus during the late stages of pregnancy, the newborn child is greatly affected. This appears in respiratory problems and difficulty breathing after birth, in addition to an increased heart rate, which exposes him to the risk of heart attacksSudden and sudden death.

The harms of drugs on pregnancy are many, and their risks extend to breastfeeding as well, as drug toxins seep into the mammary glands and the milk hormone, which negatively affects the health of the infant.

**The effect of drugs on the fetus**

**. Occurrence of deformities:**The fetus can be exposed to a variety of deformities, which may include problems in the functions of the digestive system, in addition to congenital deformities such as small head size, narrow eye opening, and low weight than normal, as well as deformities in the reproductive system.

**. Occurrence of convulsions:**The child may suffer from severe convulsions several days after birth if the pregnant mother suffers from addiction to any type of drug, as this negatively affects the nervous system of the fetus.

**Fetal death:**Fetal death can occur inside the womb as a result of poisoning or strokes resulting from drugs reaching it through the placenta from the mother.

**Fetal disease:** The mother's drug use may lead to the birth of a fetus with health problems, such as noticeable hyperactivity, in addition to the possibility of being born with an eye disease. This can also cause difficulties during childbirth or even premature birth.

**Fetal growth retardation:** The mother's drug use can negatively affect the fetus's growth, leading to an abnormal delay in its growth during pregnancy. This effect may be reflected in its size at birth, and the fetus may be born with a disability in the growth of the hands, in addition to the risk of developing tumors in the blood vessels.

**Fetal cognitive impairment ** We do not mean here that drugs lead to apparent deformities in the fetus, but we must note that the brains of developing fetuses are affected by the mother's drug use. This use can affect:

- The thickness of the cerebral cortex

- Nerves

- Molecular pathways

These effects can lead to impaired cognitive performance, in addition to psychological and behavioral problems during childhood.

**How ​​can the harm of drugs on the fetus be avoided?**

If a pregnant woman is constantly using drugs, she must follow the following steps:

. **Periodic follow-up with a specialist doctor:** The addicted woman should follow up her pregnancy regularly with a specialist doctor, and conduct the necessary examinations such as ultrasound to ensure the movement of the fetus and its heartbeat.

. **Increasing awareness among pregnant women:** It is important for pregnant women to be educated by those around them about the effect of drugs on pregnancy, and their harmful effect on the health of the fetus and her health. She must be fully aware of the risks associated with drug use, and commit to following up with the doctor and conducting periodic examinations, in addition to taking the necessary treatments that protect her from risks that may lead to premature birth, in order to protect both the fetus and the mother.

**. Medical examinations:** The mother's drug use can lead to her contracting hepatitis, so it is necessary to conduct a surface antigen test HbsAg. This examination helps in taking the necessary measures to treat the fetus by vaccinating it two hours after birth, in addition to giving it an additional dose a month after birth as a preventive measure. The mother should also undergo a drug test and urine and blood tests to determine the percentage of drugs in her body, which facilitates dealing with the case appropriately.

Also, a sonogram should be performed on the fetus to ensure that there are no birth defects or deformities.

**. Good nutrition:** Drugs can lead to a deterioration in the nutritional status of the pregnant mother, so a comprehensive examination of her nutritional status is conducted to ensure that this does not negatively affect the fetus. After that, the mother is provided with the necessary vitamins and minerals to support her health and the health of the fetus.

. **Diagnosis stage:** The addiction treatment process begins with the doctor diagnosing the addict's condition in general, as he evaluates the effect of drugs on his body and mind, in addition to determining the degree of addiction he has reached. This stage also includes conducting all the necessary tests to understand the side effects that drugs leave on the addict.

. **Painless detoxification stage:** This stage is considered one of the most dangerous and important stages that an addict goes through, due to the signs of drug withdrawal that may appear. This stage must be carried out under close medical supervision to monitor vital and psychological signs, and provide appropriate treatment to relieve symptoms, which helps to overcome the withdrawal stage without pain. It also requires rapid intervention in the event of any complications or serious disorders, to ensure that this stage is passed completely safely.

**. Psychological rehabilitation stage:** This stage is carried out through a set of psychological sessions that follow the previous treatment stages, as it relies on a variety of psychiatric tools such as psychotherapy and cognitive behavioral therapy. These sessions aim to rehabilitate the recovering addict psychologically and physically, enabling him to return to his normal life and interact with his family and work environment through:

- Conducting individual and group sessions to rehabilitate the patient psychologically.

- Dual diagnosis to treat psychological disorders associated with addiction.

- Participating in group meetings to support the patient during his treatment journey and help him recover.

- Working to change the patient's behavior to prevent his return to addiction after recovery.

**. Social rehabilitation and relapse prevention:** Social rehabilitation seeks to bring about a radical change in the patient's life, helping him/her return to society again. The program aims to avoid relapses by providing motivations that encourage living normally, and enabling the patient to deal with life's pressures and problems without resorting to drugs, which contributes to reducing the chances of relapse.

Precautions to be taken to avoid complications resulting from the mother's drug use:

When the mother discovers that she is pregnant and is using drugs, she must take a serious step towards quitting this habit and seeking treatment in centers specialized in addiction treatment. Drug use during pregnancy puts the mother in a difficult position, and she must treat herself immediately to avoid health problems that may result from combining drugs and pregnancy. It is necessary to follow up on the health status with the doctor regularly and conduct ultrasound examinations frequently to ensure the health of the fetus.

Premature birth may occur, so the woman should ask the doctor about the condition of the fetus and uterus at each visit, and be aware of the signs of premature birth and monitor them, as these things may be a result of the effect of drugs during pregnancy.

**Drug treatment and pregnancy:**

Periodic tests should be performed for the pregnant mother to check for infections and treat them, as some of these infections, such as infection with chlamydia bacteria, are factors that may lead to premature birth.

It is necessary to educate the mother by those around her and the doctor about the risks and harms of drug use, and how it can negatively affect her health and expose her to serious health risks, including fatal diseases.

**Drug and pregnancy follow-up:** Comprehensive urine and blood tests should be performed to determine the percentage of drugs in the body.

The fetus should be monitored weekly by checking its movement and growth, using sonograms to detect any birth defects, in addition to conducting CT scans of the fetus. A comprehensive assessment of the nutritional status of the pregnant mother who is taking drugs should also be conducted, with an emphasis on increasing the diet fortified with vitamins and minerals to strengthen the immune system.