Many parents vividly
recall and share stories of the incredible experience of having a child,
hearing the baby's first cry, counting ten perfect fingers and toes, and trying
to decide who the baby looks like. Other parents are not that fortunate. Some
babies receive healthy prenatal care. Other babies are not that fortunate.
According to the March of Dimes, "about 150,000 babies are born each year with
birth defects."
Some birth defects cannot be prevented; however, others
can be. There are a variety of things that can be done to help insure a healthy
baby. Most people know that a pregnant woman may harm her unborn child unless
she abstains from drinking alcohol, from smoking, and even from caffeine. For
years, cigarette packaging has included a warning about the potential harm that
smoking does to an unborn child. In many establishments that serve alcohol,
signs remind us that a pregnant woman never drinks alone. Most of us are
familiar with the devastating effects of Fetal Alcohol Syndrome that results in
a myriad of symptoms including abnormalities of the heart, brain and other
organs, mental retardation and behavioral, emotional or learning disabilities.
But what are the potentially hazardous effects of other drugs?
In the
1950's Thalidimide was prescribed to alleviate the discomforts of pregnancy.
The result of this doctor prescribed medicine was horrific - more than 10,000
babies born with major birth defects including a loss of or deformation of
limbs. Unfortunately, the dangers of the drug were not fully realized until it
was too late for many. Although the stories of the "thalidomide children" are
well documented, many expectant mothers ignore the warnings that accompany
other dangerous prescription medications, including, but not limited to
Accutate (used to treat acne), oral contraceptives, tranquilizers and even some
antibiotics.
As many as 3% of pregnant women use illegal drugs such as
marijuana, cocaine, hallucinogens, ecstasy or other amphetamines, and even
heroin. Illicit drug use is responsible for a plethora of birth defects,
including premature births, a variety of learning and behavioral problems, and
even withdrawal. According to the March of Dimes, the lack of prenatal care
that often accompanies illicit drug use as well as the fact that many who use
illicit drugs may also use alcohol and tobacco makes it difficult to determine
exactly which drugs cause which defects. Providing the drug use does not result
in a miscarriage, the birth defects may include, but are not limited to
cerebral palsy, mental retardation, heart defects, brain damage, attention or
behavior problems, and limb abnormalities. Illicit drug use is also responsible
for a higher than average number of deaths resulting from sudden infant death
syndrome.
Be aware of the dangers of taking drugs, not only illegal
drugs, but prescription drugs as well. Heed the warnings that are given.
Protect your unborn child. For more information about the relationship between
drug use and birth defects, you can visit www.marchofdimes.com or contact the
Plumsted Township Municipal Alcohol and Drug Alliance at
609-758-0399.
Submitted by Robin Witkowski |
