Over the past few years while trying to adopt, I've collected a number of resources designed to help adoptive parents navigate their adoption path. Many adoptive parents refuse to consider babies exposed to harmful substances in the womb. A lot of adoptive parents don't know the myths vs. the realities. Hopeful adoptive parents say things like, "I wouldn't do drugs or drink alcohol while pregnant so I don't want an exposed baby" - that's a personal choice. But one thing is certain with babies - not much of anything is certain - even when the mother is considered healthy!
Below are a few examples of fetal effects of maternal substance abuse - myths and realities:
(This list was not created by me. It was given to me by a doctor. This in no way represents a full list of every possibility - each baby develops differently)
(This list was not created by me. It was given to me by a doctor. This in no way represents a full list of every possibility - each baby develops differently)
HEROIN
Myths:
Causes congenital abnormalities.
Causes SIDS.
Causes prematurity.
Causes long-term, permanent developmental delay and/or learning disabilities.
Most exposed fetuses will be affected.
Realities:
Can be associated with IUGR (intrauterine growth retardation)
Can lead to neonatal abstinence symptoms.
Can be associated with decreased head size, not microcephaly.
MARIJUANA
Myths:
Causes congenital abnormalities.
Causes spontaneous abortions.
Causes IUGR.
Causes prematurity.
Causes long-term, permanent developmental delay and/or learning disabilities.
Most exposed fetuses will be affected.
Realities:
Can be associated with decreased sperm motility and number.
LSD
Myths:
Myths:
Causes chromosome defects among children of exposed fathers.
Causes congenital abnormalities.
Causes long-term, permanent developmental delay and/or learning disabilities.
Most exposed fetuses will be affected.
Realities:
Not very well studied.
AMPHETAMINES
Myths:
Causes congenital abnormalities.
Causes spontaneous abortions.
Causes long-term, permanent developmental delay and/or learning disabilities.
Most exposed fetuses will be affected.
Realities:
Can be associated with increases in maternal blood pressure.
Can be associated with IUGR, especially among women who do not gain adequate weight.
May be associated with prematurity, particularly if maternal hypertension is present.
Long-term developmental outcome studies indicate no adverse effect on learning and mental ability.
COCAINE
Myths:
Causes congenital abnormalities.
Causes spontaneous abortions.Causes IUGR.
Causes SIDS.
Causes long-term, permanent developmental delay and/or learning disabilities.
Most exposed fetuses will be affected.
Realities:
May be associated with some rare cases of genitourinary malformations, particularly among IV, high-dose users.
Can be associated with abruption of the placenta.
May be associated with prematurity.
May, in high doses in the third trimester, lead to cerebral infarcts in the fetus.
SOLVENTS
Myths:
Most exposed fetuses will be adversely affected.
Realities:
Can be associated with spontaneous abortion.
Can be associated with IUGR.
Can be associated with prematurity.
Can be associated with smaller head circumference including microcephaly.
Can be associated with developmental delay.
ALCOHOL
Myths:
Causes major congenital malformations.
There is no level of alcohol consumption that is not associated with adverse fetal effects.
Fetal Alcohol Syndrome is the leading preventable cause of birth defects and/or developmental delay in the U.S.
The FAS diagnosis is very specific and easily applied.
Realities:
10-15% if the children of chronic alcoholic women who continue to drink heavily (more than 4 drinks per day) during their pregnancies can be affected.
FAS consists of the following: Pre and post-natal growth retardation, and CNS effects. Facial characteristics: Short palpebral fissures, short upturned nose, simple or absent philtrum, thin upper lip, underdeveloped mid-face.
May be associated with an 8-10% risk for minor ventral septal defects (VSDs) of the heart.
The effects on the brain are probably related to functional, not structural development, and, therefore, decreased consumption before the third trimester can lead to better development outcomes.
The FAS diagnosis can carry with it stigmatizing effects and may not facilitate better educational and/or emotional interventions.
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