The results from the test are in and you are most definitely pregnant. Whether this was planned or unplanned, now is the time to get yourself as healthy as possible, for the sake of the beautiful child soon to come into your life. It's never easy to end drug use, and this is all the more a reality as you deal with the stressors of pregnancy. But fail to stop, and you'll be putting your baby at risk for one or more of the following problems:
Born With Withdrawal Symptoms
Incredibly disturbing research suggests that withdrawal symptoms among newborn babies is skyrocketing. A study reported in the Huffington Post found that, in 2009, an alarming 3 in 1,000 children were in withdrawal upon birth. Sadly, those born with such symptoms are the most likely to begin substance abuse at an earlier age, and, once hooked, may be unable to quit.
Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS)
FAS involves a series of negative side effects resulting from the frequent consumption of alcoholic beverages during pregnancy. The main consequence of this syndrome is impaired nervous system activity. The ill effects present themselves almost right away, but become particularly prevalent as your child reaches preschool and grade school. Learning problems such as poor memory, lack of impulse control and attention deficits may impede your child's ability to perform well in academic settings. Additionally, your child could be predisposed to addiction and a variety of mental health issues.
Congenital Heart Defects
Heart defects in fetuses and newborns often arise as a result of methamphetamine consumption. Sometimes impossible to detect until many years down the road, such defects greatly increase the chance of congestive heart failure. Other heart defects serve as immediate hazards, particularly if the infant's skin develops a grayish hue. This is indicative of cyanosis, a defect in which the child's blood does not receive enough oxygen.
Miscarriage
Miscarriage can be caused by a variety of drugs. As the American Pregnancy Association suggests, anything that crosses the placenta and interferes with the levels of carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide is liable to harm the baby. Particularly hazardous are such substances as marijuana and heroin, although any illicit substance holds the real possibility of causing a miscarriage.
You are about to welcome a child into the world. Don't destroy that welcome by littering your baby's tiny body with harmful substances. This is the time to kick the habit for good, whether that requires a brief stay in rehab or ongoing therapy. Your child's health and wellbeing are more than worth the effort required to leave your addiction days behind.
Born With Withdrawal Symptoms
Incredibly disturbing research suggests that withdrawal symptoms among newborn babies is skyrocketing. A study reported in the Huffington Post found that, in 2009, an alarming 3 in 1,000 children were in withdrawal upon birth. Sadly, those born with such symptoms are the most likely to begin substance abuse at an earlier age, and, once hooked, may be unable to quit.
Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS)
FAS involves a series of negative side effects resulting from the frequent consumption of alcoholic beverages during pregnancy. The main consequence of this syndrome is impaired nervous system activity. The ill effects present themselves almost right away, but become particularly prevalent as your child reaches preschool and grade school. Learning problems such as poor memory, lack of impulse control and attention deficits may impede your child's ability to perform well in academic settings. Additionally, your child could be predisposed to addiction and a variety of mental health issues.
Congenital Heart Defects
Heart defects in fetuses and newborns often arise as a result of methamphetamine consumption. Sometimes impossible to detect until many years down the road, such defects greatly increase the chance of congestive heart failure. Other heart defects serve as immediate hazards, particularly if the infant's skin develops a grayish hue. This is indicative of cyanosis, a defect in which the child's blood does not receive enough oxygen.
Miscarriage
Miscarriage can be caused by a variety of drugs. As the American Pregnancy Association suggests, anything that crosses the placenta and interferes with the levels of carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide is liable to harm the baby. Particularly hazardous are such substances as marijuana and heroin, although any illicit substance holds the real possibility of causing a miscarriage.
You are about to welcome a child into the world. Don't destroy that welcome by littering your baby's tiny body with harmful substances. This is the time to kick the habit for good, whether that requires a brief stay in rehab or ongoing therapy. Your child's health and wellbeing are more than worth the effort required to leave your addiction days behind.
