Question

Drug use during pregnancy can include alcohol, tobacco, illicit, and over-the-counter medications. List 4 specific risks that can result from using drugs during pregnancy.

a)

b)

c)

d)

Answer 1

Use of alcohol, tobacco or illicit drugs and over- the- conter medications can cause severe health consequences for both pregnant women and fetus. These substances can easily cross the placenta and reaches the fetus. Some of the risks that is associated with the use of these substances in pregnancy will reults in

• Growth retardation in baby
• Risk of sudden infant death syndrome
• Increased risk of miscarriage
• Birth defects
• Premature delivery
• Low birth weight babies
• Damaging the baby's organs

Smoking during pregnancy will cause an increased risk for miscarriage and preterm delivery. Alcohol consumption during pregnancy will results in fetal alcohol spectrum disorder which includes facial abnormalities in fetus, growth retardation and also causes cardiac problems in babies. Taking Over-the-counter medications during pregnancy should be avoided. Use of these medications can harm the fetus. Always follow doctors order or consultation before taking any medications during pregnancy.