Pregnancy can be one of the most vital and sensitive times in a woman’s life—every mental and physical decision counts in making sure the fetus grows into a healthy, happy baby. For example, you may have a passion for skateboarding, but this may not be the best activity during pregnancy.

In the same vein, the choice of what you ingest, especially drugs and alcohol, can affect or even hurt your baby’s health. This is because many substances easily pass through the placenta—where the fetus is nursed—including any drugs you ingest or smoke. Research has shown that some drugs can increase the chances of stillbirth, mental disorders, or physical defects in newborns, as well as being passed through breastfeeding.

There are a countless amount of drugs in the world, and many frequently used and known to cause specific risks, making abstinence from drugs crucial in pregnancy.

Cigarettes

Smoking during pregnancy—be it with cigarettes or e-cigarettes—has been proven to cause harmful effects to developing babies with their high source of tobacco and nicotine. These include physical birth defects in the mouth, lips, and lungs, as well as premature birth, brain damage, and even sudden infant death syndrome. In fact, being passively and consistently exposed to second-hand smoke can also be dangerous.

Some may believe that e-cigarettes may be a safe alternative, but this is not the case. Any tobacco products containing nicotine can be dangerous, and some of the flavorings used for e-cigarettes specifically can also harm a developing fetus.

Breaking the addictive habit of smoking or use of other tobacco products before pregnancy is simply the easiest way to avoid risk, and there are many doctors and professionals willing to help.

Alcohol

Past research indicates that having a moderate amount of alcoholic beverages, such as a simple glass of wine, during pregnancy is fine on occasion. However, like with anything in life, this should be done in strict moderation, and ultimately, there is no known safe amount to drink.

Excessive drinking and use of alcohol can, in fact, be very dangerous for a pregnant mother and her developing baby. As the alcohol is exposed to the baby in development, a variety of physical defects and disabilities may form, or even the possibility of stillbirth or miscarriage.

These dangers go under the label of fetal alcohol spectrum disorders, and drinking within even the first three months of pregnancy can be risky. Consider stopping drinking or dealing with any kind of alcohol addiction before pregnancy.

Illegal Drugs

There are several types of illegal drugs that continue to be abused by many addicts, including heroin, cocaine, cannabis, LSD, and many more. Some are used for medical reasons, but can adversely affect pregnant women and their babies with a number of physical and psychological defects.

Cannabis is often abused to help users relax, especially when going through stressful life events like pregnancy; however, cannabis use during pregnancy can impact the health of the baby and even create developmental problems as those babies grow to adolescents. Cocaine abuse can not only lead to miscarriages, but also health problems in the mother, such as maternal migraines, seizures, and even difficulties during delivery.

Abusing drugs of any kind during pregnancy create numerous risks, not only potentially harming the fetus in development, but also the mother who is already dealing with the burdens of pregnancy. Quitting drugs—especially when under an addiction—can be difficult, but for the safety of potential mothers and their children, it is best to stay away from drugs entirely during the difficult nine months leading to childbirth.

Drug Abuse in Pregnancy

If you or a loved one struggles with drugs and is considering pregnancy, contact a local Treatment & Rehab Alternative program in Tennessee. You might also investigate Discovery Place’s own treatment center alternatives, such as our 30 Day Residential Addiction Recovery Program or our Long Term Recovery Program in Burns, Tennessee. Call us for a free consultation at 1-800-725-0922.

Testimonials

  • Discovery Place was the answer for my son. He did the 90 day and then the step down program and sober living. We give this organization 10 stars. They met my son where he was …emotionally, mentally, physically. They helped him put his life back on track. Discovery Place employees care about their guests. If your son, brother, nephew, grandson or husband needs excellent supportive care THIS is indeed the facility.

    Kim Morton
    Alumni Parent
  • I have remained sober and it is because of DP. DP is the best place there is, hands down. I keep everyone there in my prayers, and I encourage everyone there to take what they are practicing and do it in their lives, after.

    Roy Mantelli
    Alumni
  • Over the past year, I’ve been putting into actin what Discovery Place taught me, and I have experienced a complete perspective change of the world, and the people in it. I get to be a man of service and love today, and for that I am grateful to Discovery Place.

    Matt Kassay
    Alumni
  • Discovery Place means the world to me. They showed me the tools that I’ve tried to use everyday in my life to think less often of myself, and more frequently of others. I am learning to lend a hand when I am able and to have a honest and humble relationship with God and the people around me. Not only am I clean and sober, but also I am happy and fulfilled.

    Tommy Parker
    Alumni
  • Discovery Place and the men who work there made recovery attractive, and more importantly, fun. There is strength in the struggle. I am forever grateful for my time at Discovery Place.

    Creed McClellan
    Alumni
  • When I got to Discovery Place my whole life was in shambles, but I didn’t know it. I spent 6 months in their programs, participating in all three phases, and was met with kindness and love all along the way. It is unbelievable to me, where I am now relative to where I was when I arrived at DP.

    Lance Duke
    Alumni
  • I can never say enough good things about Discovery Place and the people who work there. Before checking in to DP, I was out of options and out of answers. Fortunately, Discovery Place has a solution. Taking suggestions from the staff at DP saved my life, and as a result, I’m now more content and hopeful about life. I’m grateful for Discovery Place showing me how to live a healthy life so that I can become a better man and help the next guy.”

    Tyler Buckingham
    Alumni

    Thinking About Rehab?

    Learn More About Our Alternative Residential Recovery Programs

      Alternative Drug & Alcohol Treatment Rehab
    • Admissions
    • About Us
    • Contact
    • Talk to someone about your options

      Talk to someone about your options

      Blue Pig Media