Drugs and Alcohol
Using drugs or alcohol during pregnancy is a very serious risk. It leads to an increased chance of premature labor, with babies often arriving more than six weeks early. This, of course, results in low birth weight, which can then lead to difficulty breathing and an increased risk of infection.
Withdrawal in Newborns
If you have taken drugs during your pregnancy, your baby may suffer from withdrawal. Withdrawal often develops after the first 24 hours of life. These babies are restless and irritable and suck poorly. They often have diarrhea and scratch themselves, and sometimes coughing and hiccups occur. Some baby's withdrawal can be so severe that they have convulsions. Fortunately, in about 75% of cases, the only treatment required is supportive care, soothing by frequent bathing, and feeding more often. In extreme cases, the baby may need medication.
Alcohol Use During Pregnancy
In addition to increasing your risk for breast cancer and liver disease, alcohol abuse can easily damage your unborn baby. Alcohol crosses the placenta to the baby and accumulates in the amniotic fluid surrounding the baby. Not only can alcohol use reduce your milk supply, but the alcohol is transferred through the milk to your baby.
You should cut down your drinking considerably as early as when you are trying to get pregnant. It is still unknown whether or not there is a safe level of alcohol use during pregnancy or if there is a particular stage of development which is affected by alcohol more than others. The safest thing you can do is to avoid alcohol altogether.
Tobacco Use During and After Pregnancy
Carbon monoxide and nicotine from tobacco both reach the baby very easily through the placenta, which will limit the availability of oxygen in the blood and affect the growth and development of the baby. Smoking while nursing can reduce the milk supply and the amount of vitamin C in the milk. Smoking just before breast feeding will inhibit the flow of milk and will give it a strong nicotine taste.
If you are having trouble quitting any of these bad habits, consult your doctor or seek drug and alcohol counseling for the sake of your baby.
