Drugs During Pregnancy

Term Paper # 113822

Medical and Health > Drugs
Medical and Health > Public Health Issues
Women Studies

A discussion on the effects of using cocaine, heroine and marijuana during pregnancy.

2,373 words () | 7 sources | APA | 2009 United States

Paper Summary:

This paper discusses the damage that frequent drug use causes to a woman's pregnancy and her children. The paper relates that women who use cocaine, marijuana and heroine increase their risk for health problems such as anemia, blood infections, heart problems, skin infections, hepatitis and sexually transmitted diseases. The paper further relates that drugs pass through the mother's bloodstream through the placenta and into the fetus and this can cause the fetus to become addicted to drugs and have withdrawal symptoms and many other health problems after birth.

From the Paper:

"In the United States, there is a growing problem with the use of illegal drugs during pregnancy. Once a child in conceived, a woman needs to maintain perfect health to ensure she stays in the proper condition for both herself and her baby. Her body is now supporting two people and with the use of illegal drugs she can cause harm to both. It is possible to carry out a pregnancy with drug use but this can cause the child to have serious lifelong health problems. A mother who takes illegal drugs during pregnancy increases her risks for developing anemia, blood and heart infections, skin infections, hepatitis, and other infections diseases."

Sample of Sources Used:

Askin, Debbie Fraser and Bill Diehl-Jones (2001). "Cocaine: Effects of In Utero Exposure on the Fetus and Neonate." Journal of Perinatal Neonatal Nursing, 14 (4), 83-102.
Chavkin, Wendy and Stephen R. Kendall (1990). "Between a Rock and a Hard Place: Perinatal Drug Abuse." Pediatrics , 85 (2), 223.
Hutchins, Ellen (1997). "Drug Use During Pregnancy." Journal of Drug Issues, 27 (3), 463-485.
Ksir, Charles, et al. (2008). Drugs, Society, and Human Behavior. New York: McGraw-Hill.
National Institute of Drug Abuse. "How Does Marijuana Use Affect School, Work, and Social Life?" Retrieved October 21st, 2008, from http://nida/nih.gov