$Unique_ID{BRK00732}
$Pretitle{Pregnancy and Childbirth, Community and Social Problems}
$Title{Can My Baby be Hurt if I Use Drugs During My Pregnancy?}
$Subject{pregnancy cocaine newborn risk}
$Volume{K-23, Q-23}
$Log{}

Copyright (c) 1991   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


Can My Baby be Hurt if I Use Drugs During My Pregnancy?


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QUESTION:  Don't publish my name, but please answer my question, as there must
be other people who also need this information.  I am pregnant, and want to
know if my baby can be hurt if I use drugs (cocaine) during my pregnancy?
Doesn't the placenta protect the baby from harm?

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ANSWER:  To your first question, absolutely yes!  The baby can be harmed even
if you use cocaine just during your first weeks of pregnancy.  To your second
question, absolutely not.  The placenta offers no protection to the baby from
your habit.  If you take the drug while pregnant the baby runs the risk of
being born prematurely, before it has had the chance to fully develop, can be
smaller and weaker than normal, can be more irritable, crying and disoriented
as a result of neurotoxicity (poisoning of the nerves) from cocaine.  In
addition, the baby is at greater risk for serious infections during the first
six months of life.  You can avoid most of these troubles by stopping your
habit now, and getting real help.  It is no longer just a personal decision,
but one that affects two lives.  And you will need good prenatal care during
the pregnancy as well, to help assure the health of the baby when it is born.
To you, and the others like you, believe these words.  Everything I have
written has been observed in babies born of mothers who had a drug habit.  Get
help, get it now, and put your trust in those who are dedicated to helping you
through.
ÿ
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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace 
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your 
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical 
problem.
