246 profiles of hopeful adoptive couples
For Birthparents
Article Topics
Profile Search
Profile Id Search
Success Story
Daven & Krista
We posted our website December of 2007 and had a few contacts right away. We even had a scam to really test our patience. But February of 2008 we had a 13 year old birth mother contact us. We were leery at first because we were just scammed and weren't sure if she was real. Turned out she really was pregnant and only 6 weeks. We ended up writing each more ...
Illegal Drugs
The combination of illegal drugs and pregnancy is becoming an all-too-common problem. As many as one in ten babies are born to women who use illegal drugs during pregnancy. With almost all of these drugs, use by the mother puts her and the baby at risk for serious, often long-term, and possibly fatal consequences.
We know that your decision to choose life through adoption for your baby is one made with love and selflessness. If you honor us with this opportunity, we promise to provide your baby with a life filled with love, support, fun adventures and opportunities
Most illegal drugs cross the placenta, meaning they will reach the baby's developing systems. Some drugs, such as cocaine, will also damage the placenta and may cause it to pull away from the uterus, which can cause extensive bleeding and possible death for both mother and baby.
Different illegal drugs and pregnancy have varied impacts on the baby. The effect of marijuana use in pregnancy is still unclear. Some studies show that babies born to women who used marijuana tend to have a lower birthweight. Smoking either tobacco or marijuana can lead to placenta previa, premature birth, low birthweight, and an increased risk of SIDS.
Cocaine is one of the illegal drugs with documented devastating effects on the developing baby. In early months, it can cause miscarriage. Later, it can lead to premature labor. Cocaine can cause irreversible brain damage and even death. Some studies have shown that babies of mothers who quit using cocaine in the first trimester may not necessarily be born with birth defects. But they are at increased risk for cerebral palsy and abnormalities of the brain, skull, face, eyes, heart, limbs, intestines, genitals, and urinary tract. Many will go through a process similar to withdrawal after birth when illegal drugs and pregnancy are mixed.
Heroin is another of the illegal drugs and pregnancy known risks. The baby is at risk for low birthweight, may be born addicted and/or early, or may die. Once grown, these children may be small for their age, have trouble thinking clearly, and have behavioral problems. Injecting heroin puts the mother at risk for HIV, which can be passed to the baby. Pregnant women are not advised to quit heroin suddenly, as this can lead to dangerous problems for her and the baby. Most women in this situation who seek help will be placed on a controlled methadone program. There are still risks to the baby, but they are not as severe as with heroin.
Ecstasy, PCPs, LSD and amphetamines are other illegal drugs with varying impacts. With these and all legal and illegal drugs and pregnancy, the safest advice is to talk to your medical practitioner right away and follow all treatment recommendations to ensure the best outcome possible for you and your baby.
More Articles: