Recreational drug addiction is increasing all around the world and is reaching epidemic proportions. One of the problems with this are not only more and more women addicted to recreational drugs, but more babies are born to mothers with an addiction.

One of these drugs is cocaine. A drug that has been used to increase self esteem, increase energy and gives a feeling of euphoria. One that has evolved from the chewing of a leaf to the more rapid method of use, intravenously, this drug has grown in epidemic proportions worldwide due to its relative cheap cost.

The effects of cocaine use on an unborn fetus are extensive. If they survive pregnancy, as a fetus born to an addict more often than not dies and results in spontaneous abortion, many suffer adverse effects that will affect them for the rest of their lives.

Following are the ways in which cocaine affects an unborn fetus, for a cocaine addict and even one who uses this drug recreationally through pregnancy.

EFFECTS OF COCAINE IN UTERO TO THE BABY

Cocaine is found to readily access a baby via the placenta and umbilical cord. The fetus does not have the ability to process substances than what a normal adult does due to the liver not being developed yet. Cocaine remains in the baby's blood stream much longer than it would normally, therefore the affects of cocaine are felt longer in the fetus than that of the mother.

Cocaine also restricts oxygen in the mother, which then also passes onto the fetus. If the bloodstream and the bodily organs are deprived of oxygen, brain abnormalities and organ abnormalities and failure can occur. This can cause the fetus to die.

Other effects of cocaine on an unborn baby who may survive the pregnancy are often observed after birth.

EFFECTS ON MOTHER'S PREGNANCY

A study performed on numerous women who use cocaine when pregnant by the Northwestern University Medical School, discovered that many of these women complained of similar issues. Some of these include early contractions, premature labor and placental abruption. Sixty percent of pregnancies resulted in spontaneous abortion.

EFFECTS ON THE BABY ONCE BORN

Although research is difficult into the long term effects of cocaine exposure during pregnancy on an unborn baby, many patterns have formed that are characteristic of one who has.

Besides the possibility of low birth weights, abnormalities in features and malformations of vital organs, there are also a high number of babies who suffer stroke and heart attack after birth.

They also suffer from irritability, an inability to feed, an increased risk of SIDS and learning difficulties.

Many of the babies born to addicts also suffer withdrawal symptoms of the drug that we physically witness as tremors and shaking, intense crying and irritability and the inability to respond to voices and caregivers.

To a child born to an addict, the mothers need to feed her habit and the baby's reaction of withdrawal, often means many do not bond. This early bonding is very important to emotional development in children.

In toddlers and school-aged children, those who have survived the early years most often display poor management in gross motor skills. Behavioral problems have been witnessed in school-aged children too.

Although many users barely have the ability to control their own lives and look after themselves, a fetus becomes the victim to the mother's addiction. If you may have a problem with cocaine and are pregnant, please see your local Drug and Alcohol center for information, support and help.

Learn more about this author, R.L Hanlon.
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