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When parents abuse alcohol or drugs, the consequences can be devastating for their children. Children of alcoholic or drug-dependent parents can suffer neglect, developmental hindrances, and emotional and physical abuse. However, people who abuse substances can also damage the health of their unborn children. For example, a woman who smokes marijuana during pregnancy can put the fetus at risk for a host of dangerous problems, such as low birthweight, developmental difficulties, and even drug addiction. Similarly, a woman who drinks alcohol while pregnant—perhaps before she even realizes she's pregnant—can cause heart defects, growth retardation, and serious neurological injury to the fetus (commonly known as fetal alcohol syndrome, or FAS).

Much research has shown that alcohol and drug use on the part of men and women can impair fertility and/or lead to birth defects in their children. Despite these known risks, a National Institute on Drug Abuse study on alcohol and other drug use among pregnant women found that 5.5 percent of the study participants used illicit drugs while pregnant, 18.8 percent used alcohol, and 20.4 percent used tobacco.[1] These figures are even higher for teen mothers. In another study, one-third of mothers between the ages of 12 and 18 used marijuana before their pregnancies, and of those, over half used it at some time during their pregnancies.[2] With statistics like these, it's important that teens understand the additional risks of alcohol and drug use, particularly if they are sexually active.

Specifically, how does marijuana affect the fetus? Like alcohol and tobacco, marijuana use has been linked to low birth weight and premature babies. One study showed that marijuana use by the mother is associated with slow embryo growth and spontaneous abortion in the early stages of pregnancy. Other studies have shown that marijuana causes FAS-like symptoms in newborns, such as abnormally shaped heads, small size, and nervous-system difficulties. Research also suggests that the fetuses of teen mothers, as opposed to those of adult mothers, may be especially vulnerable to the damage marijuana causes, especially during the first trimester (when the teen may not even know she's pregnant).[2] Symptoms such as excessive trembling and withdrawal-like irritability in newborns have also been associated with heavy marijuana use by the mother.

In addition, THC, the active component in marijuana, can be passed from mother to infant through breastfeeding.[1] This chemical is more concentrated in the mother's breastmilk than it is in her blood, and use of marijuana by breastfeeding mothers has been linked to motor development problems in newborns.

In general, it is important to remember that the fetus can be exposed to anything that enters the mother's body. THC can pass freely through the placenta. If marijuana poses a health risk to the mother's body, it also poses a potential risk to the fetus she carries in her body.

For males, studies have established that marijuana can lower sperm count, but the drug can also cause slow-moving or abnormally-shaped sperm, which can ultimately lead to miscarriages, low fetal birth weight, or other health problems.[3] Also, simply smoking marijuana around a pregnant woman could endanger both the woman and the fetus if she inhales the secondhand smoke.

Does your teen want to be a parent someday? She may feel that she's too young to worry about children right now, but if she becomes addicted to drugs or alcohol, her addiction could last well into her adult years. Studies indicate that female drug users usually reduce their drug intake after they discover they are pregnant, but they often do not or cannot quit completely.[4] This is a testament to just how addictive drugs can be, even at a time when it is especially important to stay healthy. When your teen finally decides she does want to be a parent, she may have a very difficult time quitting.

Make sure your teen knows that substance abuse can permanently damage the life chances of his future children. The National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence established National Alcohol- and Other Drug-Related Birth Defects Awareness Week (May 13-19) to recognize and help educate others about the dangers of prenatal exposure to alcohol and drugs. This is one kind of birth defect that is highly preventable, so take this opportunity to talk to your teen about these and other serious risks of substance abuse.

For more information, see the following sites:

The National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence, "Alcohol- and Other Drug-Related Birth Defects."

Marijuana Interferes With Early Pregnancy

Sources:

[1] The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration's (SAMHSA's) National Clearinghouse for Alcohol and Drug Information (NCADI). "Making the Link: Alcohol, Tobacco, and Other Drugs and Pregnancy and Parenthood," 1995, www.health.org/govpubs/ml010/index.htm, last referenced April 16, 2001.
[2] About.com. "Marijuana and Your Baby: Research in Pregnancy and Lactation," http://babyparenting.about.com/parenting/babyparenting/library/blmarij3.htm?terms=marijuana+pregnancy, quoting Marie D. Cornelius, et al., "Parental Tobacco and Marijuana Use Among Adolescents: Effects on Offspring Gestational Age, Growth, and Morphology," Pediatrics, May 1995, last referenced April 16, 2001.
[3] Alaska Department of Health and Social Services' Division of Alcoholism and Drug Abuse. "Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Information Sheet," http://health.hss.state.ak.us/dada/fas/fas.ht, last referenced April 24, 2001.
[4] Mathias, Robert. Recreational Drugs Information. "Women and Drugs: Drug Use During Pregnancy," www.a1b2c3.com/drugs/wom07.htm, last referenced April 27, 2001.