Maternal newborn effects of drug use

tranquilizers

(Diazepam (Valium)) Withdrawal symptoms

PCP

(Phencyclidine) Phencyclidine (PCP) is a popular hallucinogen that can be smoked, taken orally, or injected intravenously -Withdrawal symptoms. Newborn behavioral and developmental abnormalities

barbiturates

(Phenobarbital) Withdrawal symptoms. Fetal growth restriction

heroin

-Heroin is an illicit central nervous system (CNS) depressant narcotic that alters perception and produces euphoria -Withdrawal symptoms, known as neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS), include tremors, irritability, sneezing, vomiting, fever, diarrhea, abnormal respiratory function, and potential seizure activity. -Pregnancy in women who use heroin is considered high risk because of the associated increased incidence of poor nutrition, iron deficiency anemia, and preeclampsia-eclampsia -produces intrauterine growth restriction and meconium aspiration

Physical signs

-constricted pupils • Inflamed nasal mucosa • Evidence of needle "track marks" or abscesses • Poor nutritional status • Slurred speech or staggering gait • Odor of alcohol on breath

cocaine

Cerebral infarctions, microcephaly, learning disabilities, poor state organization, decreased interactive behavior, central nervous system (CNS) anomalies, cardiac anomalies, genitourinary anomalies, sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). -produces babies with small heads and short bodies with brain function alterations

nicotine

Increased rate of spontaneous abortion, increased incidence of placental abruption, small for gestational age (SGA), small head circumference, decreased length, SIDS, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in school-age children.

amphetamines

Low birth weight, withdrawal symptoms

ecstasy

MDMA ((methylenedioxymethamphetamine), Club drugs -third most widely used illicit drug after marijuana and amphetamines -clouded thinking, agitation, disturbed behavior, sweating, dry mouth, increased heart rate, muscle spasms including jaw clenching, and hyperthermia (elevated temperature) -perceived as "safe" because of a relatively low incidence of adverse reactions. -Repeated use of Ecstasy is associated with mood, sleep, and anxiety disorders; memory deficits; increased impulsiveness; and attention problems, -users may increase their risk of neurologic and psychiatric problems -Preliminary research using rats suggests that prenatal use of MDMA may be associated with long-term impaired memory and learning in the child. -High body temperature is a side effect of MDMA (ecstasy). Increased body temperature increases fetal oxygen needs, which can lead to hypoxia and subsequent brain and major organ damage.

alcohol

Mental retardation, microcephaly, midfacial hypoplasia, cardiac anomalies, intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR), potential teratogenic effects, fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS), fetal alcohol effects (FAE). -birth defects that are related to prenatal fetal exposure to alcohol can occur in the first 3 to 8 weeks' gestation, often before the woman even knows that she is pregnant. -causes deficiencies of thiamine and folic acid -

marijuana

Possible association with structural and neurobehavioral defects

Methadone

With abrupt maternal termination of the drug, severe withdrawal symptoms can include preterm labor, rapid labor, abruption, nonreassuring fetal status, and meconium aspiration. Neonates may present with NAS and be small for gestational age. -Methadone is the most commonly used drug in the treatment of women who are dependent on opioids such as heroin. Methadone blocks withdrawal symptoms and the craving for street drugs.

history

• History of vague or unusual medical complaints • Family history of alcoholism or other addiction • History of childhood physical, sexual, or emotional abuse • History of cirrhosis, pancreatitis, hepatitis, gastritis, sexually transmitted infections, or unusual infections such as cellulitis or endocarditis • History of high-risk sexual behavior • Psychiatric history of treatment and/or hospitalization

Behavioral signs

• Memory lapses, mood swings, hallucinations • Pattern of frequently missed appointments • Frequent accidents, falls • Signs of depression, agitation, euphoria • Suicidal gestures