There are many negative effects of meth on pregnancy, which put you and your baby at risk. However, not everyone are aware of these risks. The sad and dangerous truth is, many women who are pregnant are addicted to meth and therefore continue to use.
According to the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), there are an estimated 4.7 drug users in the country. This means, according to the Agency, that there is one drug personality in every 8 households in the country. Their drug of choice: methamphetamine or shabu.
These figures include not only men, but also women–and there’s a big chance that some of these women who are addicted to meth have been using while they were or are pregnant.
So what are the effects of meth on pregnancy? Let’s find out.
Effects of Meth on Pregnancy
When you are pregnant, you share your body with another human being, your baby. You share one bloodstream, and most of what you take, from food to medicine, impacts your unborn child. When meth or shabu gets into the mix, the drug ravages not just your body but also that of your baby.
Effects of Meth on Pregnancy: Mother
- Uncontrolled high blood pressure that can lead to kidney damage, heart problems, stroke, and pre-eclampsia which can lead to pregnancy complications and even death to either or both mother and child
- Increased risk for seizures that can affect the mother’s brain
- Placenta may tear from the uterine wall, causing heavy bleeding or hemorrhage that can lead to death
- During labor and delivery, meth users or shabu addicted mothers may have a higher likelihood of delivering their babies pre-term.
- You can also be at a higher risk for delivering via C-section, which can also open up more complications.
Effects of Meth on Pregnancy: Your Unborn Baby
The effects of meth on the fetus is intensive and can show even long after birth.
- Damaged DNA causing problems in the development of the organs and mental functions of the fetus.
- The development of the fetus is restricted, causing heart defects, mental abnormalities, and deformities.
- Premature birth, causing a set of complications such as underdeveloped organ systems.
- Higher death rates due to spontaneous abortion, fetal stroke, and other mortality or morbidity conditions.
- Fetal stroke due to the increased heart rate absorbed from the mother to the unborn child, causing seizures and brain hemorrhage in the womb.
Effects of Meth on Pregnancy: After Birth
Even if you have given birth to your baby, you and your baby are still faced with life-long challenges directly linked to your meth abuse.
- Increased risk for Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) after birth
- Low IQ
- Depression, anxiety, schizophrenia, and other mental disorders
- Behavioral issues
- Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
- Increased or unusual aggressive behavior
- Type 2 Diabetes
- Heart problems
- Lung problems
- Predisposition to addiction later on in life
is there any public education about it?