Babies born addicted to drugs face unique challenges that can have lasting effects on their health and development. Research shows that most drugs abused by pregnant women can easily cross the placenta and affect fetal neurodevelopment.
In this article, we will talk all things babies born addicted to drugs long-term effects, shedding light on the physical, cognitive, and behavioral impacts of prenatal drug exposure.
What is neonatal drug exposure?
This is a situation where a newborn baby is exposed to drugs while still in the womb, during gestation. Such exposure occurs if the mother uses drugs or certain medications during pregnancy.
These substances range from illegal drugs, such as cocaine and heroin to legal prescription medications like certain painkillers or antidepressants.
Risks posed by maternal drug or alcohol use during pregnancy
- Developmental delays – prenatal drug use can lead to delays in the baby’s physical and cognitive development, which may manifest as issues with motor skills, language development, and overall growth.
- Premature birth – drug and alcohol use increases the likelihood of premature birth, which carries its own set of complications and health risks for the baby.
- Low birth weight – prenatal substance use increases the risk of low birth weight due to reduced fetal growth.
- Birth defects – certain drugs, when taken at critical stages of the pregnancy, can increase the risk of birth defects affecting various organs and systems in fetal development. For instance, certain medications or drugs can disrupt the normal formations of the heart, brain, limbs, and other vital organs.
Neonatal drug exposure can have serious consequences for the baby, depending on the type and frequency of drug used, as well as the timing of exposure during the pregnancy.
How does the timing of drug exposure during pregnancy impact fetal development?
The timing of exposure is everything! Different stages of fetal development present distinct vulnerabilities and critical periods during the pregnancy.
During the first trimester, 3-8 weeks of gestation, drug use in this period can lead to structural abnormalities and major congenital malformations. The fetus is highly susceptible to substance use in this stage, which can cause permanent damage.
After the first trimester till birth, exposure to drug use can impact the developing central nervous system of the fetus, leading to cognitive and behavioral issues. This is because it is a stage characterized by fetal growth and maturation.
If drug exposure occurs during the third trimester, 29th-40th week of gestation, it may lead to respiratory distress and affect the newborn’s ability to regulate essential functions.
If the exposure is much closer to delivery, the baby may experience withdrawal symptoms shortly after birth, leading to a condition known as Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS). This initial phase can be challenging for the newborn and the medical professionals involved in their care.
Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome
NAS is one of the notable immediate outcomes of prenatal drug exposure. It occurs as a result of sudden discontinuation of exposure to substances the baby had become dependent on during pregnancy.
Although it is an immediate effect of maternal drug use during pregnancy, the withdrawals can impose long-term changes on the baby’s health and development, affecting physical growth, cognitive development, and behavior.
The intensity of the withdrawals varies depending on the timing, type, and dosage of drugs consumed. Common withdrawal symptoms prevalent in babies born addicted to drugs include:
- Tremors
- Irritability
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Feeding difficulties
- Disturbed sleep patterns.
- Increased fussiness and crying.
Other short-term effects that occur alongside NAS include:
- Respiratory distress – babies born to mothers who used drugs during pregnancy may experience rapid breathing, nasal flaring, and grunting as a result of drug exposure on the central nervous system.
- Fluctuating body temperature – drug exposure may cause difficulty in maintaining a stable body temperature. Newborns may therefore need assistance in regulating their body heat.
- Seizures – neonatal drug exposure can lead to seizures in the newborn, especially if the drugs associated are benzodiazepines or barbiturates, which affect the central nervous system.
Long-term complications of maternal drug or alcohol use during pregnancy
Maternal drug or alcohol use during pregnancy poses significant risks to both the mother and developing fetus. It may cause complications such as gestational diabetes and legal consequences, where child protective services may be involved for the welfare of the unborn.
Babies may also experience certain long-term effects, hence demanding keen attention to ensure adequate support is provided throughout their growth and development.
Long-term effects of prenatal alcohol exposure
According to a 2022 survey by the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, 1 in every 10 pregnant women are active alcohol users while 1 in every 22 pregnant women are alcoholic binge drinkers. Alcohol use is highest among women in their first trimester of pregnancy.
Although alcohol is not an illegal drug to use during pregnancy, its baseline for the safe amount to be used is unknown and the more a mother drinks the more severe its potential damage to the fetus is.
Babies born to women who drink moderate to severe amounts of alcohol run the risk of developing Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD).
What is Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder?
FASD is an umbrella term for a spectrum of disorders affecting a newborn exposed to prenatal alcohol use. Each of these disorders has its own set of symptoms and challenges and include:
Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS)
This is the most severe form of fetal alcohol spectrum disorder and is characterized by distinctive facial features such as a thin upper lip, a smooth philtrum or small eye openings, growth deficiencies, and central nervous system abnormalities.
A newborn with FAS may also experience significant cognitive and behavioral challenges.
Partial Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (pFAS)
This is a mild form of FAS where the baby may exhibit some degree of distinct facial features and neurological impairments. Although there may also be cognitive and behavioral challenges, they are not as severe as those exhibited in FAS.
Alcohol-Related Neurodevelopmental Disorder (ARND)
ARND lacks the distinctive facial features present with FAS but manifests as a range of neurobehavioral challenges without any physical anomalies.
The neurobehavioral shortcomings can affect the daily functioning of the baby, requiring support interventions.
Alcohol-Related Birth Defects (ARBD)
ARBD are the physical abnormalities present in a newborn, which are not part of the facial features associated with FAS. Common birth defects due to prenatal alcohol use include heart, kidney, or bone defects.
Features of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder
Physical features – they range from distinct facial anomalies to common organ defects in a newborn.
Growth deficiencies – FASD manifests with growth restrictions such as lower-than-average height and weight.
Central Nervous System complications – FASD affects brain development which leads to intellectual disabilities, learning and language disabilities, and behavioral challenges.
Organ and system defects – depending on the type of FASD, there may be associated birth defects in the newborn.
Long-term effects of prenatal nicotine exposure
Commonly found in tobacco, nicotine is a highly addictive substance that increases the likelihood of asthma and decreased lung function of the newborn when used in utero. Nicotine can constrict blood vessels and reduce blood flow to the fetus, compromising the delivery of oxygen and nutrients which increases the risk of birth defects.
Babies born to smoking mothers have a higher risk of developing respiratory problems later in life. Scientific research also links prenatal nicotine exposure to Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in children. There is a correlation between utero nicotine exposure and cognitive impairments which manifests as learning and memory difficulties.
There is also an elevated risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, which is the sudden and unexplained death of an apparently healthy baby.
Long-term effects of prenatal cocaine exposure
Babies exposed to cocaine in the womb experience difficulties with attention, concentration, and memory. They may regularly exhibit impaired planning and impulse control, leading to challenges in academic and social settings.
Studies have also shown babies exposed to cocaine in utero often experience delays in the development of both fine and gross motor skills as well as speech and language delays. This exposure is also linked to an increased risk of behavioral disorders such as ADHD and conduct disorders.
Long-term effects of prenatal heroin exposure
Like other hard drugs, utero heroin addiction has been known to cause significant behavioral and cognitive challenges in children.
Studies show that 65% of children exposed to heroin while in the womb repeat at least one grade or require special education services. They are also prone to have low birth weight and growth deficiencies.
Many of these babies experience developmental delays, which manifest as delays in reaching certain milestones such as crawling, walking, and speech. Their social interactions and behaviors are also impacted as they often exhibit impulsivity, hyperactivity, and difficulties with self-regulation.
Research also projects that children exposed to heroin in utero are more likely to develop substance use disorders later in life.
Possible interventions for neonatal drug exposure
Managing the negative effects of prenatal drug use requires a multidisciplinary approach involving healthcare professionals, caregivers, and support services.
Understanding babies born addicted to drugs long-term effects is crucial for developing appropriate interventions. Early interventions, medical care, and therapy can help mitigate some of these challenges.
Some of the interventions employed include:
Medical monitoring and care
Infants born to addicted mothers exhibiting NAS symptoms receive close medical monitoring under the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) or a specialized nursery. Here, medical professionals receive and manage withdrawal symptoms, providing appropriate interventions whenever necessary.
Nutritional support
Affected babies may experience feeding difficulties. Providing appropriate nutritional support, such as breastfeeding or formula feeding is imperative for their growth and development.
Pharmacological treatment
Under severe cases of neonatal drug exposure, pharmacological treatment may be required. Prescription medication such as morphine or methadone can be administered to help alleviate withdrawal symptoms.
Developmental support
Services such as physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy would support the developmental needs of infants exposed to drugs. These therapies help address delays in motor skills, speech, and cognitive development.
Preventive measures for future substance exposure
Supporting the mothers in addressing substance use disorders is just as crucial as supporting the infants exposed to the drugs in utero. This would help prevent future harm to the child and help the mom address and overcome their addictions.
Possible interventions for maternal drug use include:
- Addiction treatment.
- Mental health support.
- Prenatal and postnatal care and education.
- Continued postpartum support.