Again, any substance a mother consumes will impact her unborn child.
If she swallows a drug, her liver will deliver it to the baby in small
amounts over time. If she injects a substance, it goes almost directly
to the baby in larger amounts. Inhaling a drug has almost the same
results.
Street drugs can be very harmful to you and your unborn child. Some
drugs can be fatal to both mother and child. They can also cause
malnutrition, birth defects, withdrawal symptoms, and seizures in your
child. Like alcohol, drugs can cause brain damage and learning
difficulties that can affect a child’s entire life.
Over the counter drugs are considered more safe to use, but you
should always ask your doctor or pharmacist before taking any
medication. There are safe medications for you to take for colds,
nausea, constipation, and pain.
Prescription medications are also available. Make sure that the
physician prescribing them for you is aware that you are pregnant and
take the medication as the prescription requires. Some infections will
require prescription medication to control. The important thing is to
communicate with your physician and follow all of his/her
recommendations.
Be good to yourself and your unborn child. Don’t take drugs.
