Smoking in early pregnancy has been shown to double the risk of the resulting children showing aggressive behaviour as 5-year-olds.

A study of more than 5000 children has clearly demonstrated that those whose mothers smoked in the first 3 months of their pregnancy were more likely to have behavioural problems. The children of mothers who quit smoking when they became pregnant had the same risk as those of non-smoking mothers.

Although the reasons for the link between aggressive behaviour and maternal smoking are not fully understood, it is thought that constituents of cigarettes, such as tobacco, may affect the developing brains of unborn children.

COCAINE

Pregnancy
Research indicates that effects of cocaine use during pregnancy may cause:

Cocaine increases the heart rate in both the mother and baby and the supply of blood and oxygen to the baby is reduced. This means the baby is more likely to be small and grow slowly both before and after birth. If cocaine is used close to birth, the baby may be born intoxicated showing symptoms of hyperactivity and agitation. Withdrawal symptoms can occur in the babies of mothers who use cocaine regularly. These include sleepiness and lack of responsiveness.

To date, research is inconclusive as to whether children of mothers who use cocaine experience any long-term mental or physical effects. Some studies suggest that malformations of the genito-urinary tract, heart, limbs and/or face occur in the babies of cocaine-using mothers.

Breast feeding
It is likely that cocaine will reach the baby through breast milk. The effect this has will depend on factors such as the amount and strength of cocaine used, and the time between using cocaine and feeding the baby. Symptoms may include the baby being irritable, unsettled and difficult to feed.

Check with your doctor, or other health professional, if you are taking or planning to take any substances during pregnancy, including prescribed and over-the-counter medications.

COCAINE

Pregnancy
Research indicates that effects of cocaine use during pregnancy may cause:

Cocaine increases the heart rate in both the mother and baby and the supply of blood and oxygen to the baby is reduced. This means the baby is more likely to be small and grow slowly both before and after birth. If cocaine is used close to birth, the baby may be born intoxicated showing symptoms of hyperactivity and agitation. Withdrawal symptoms can occur in the babies of mothers who use cocaine regularly. These include sleepiness and lack of responsiveness.

To date, research is inconclusive as to whether children of mothers who use cocaine experience any long-term mental or physical effects. Some studies suggest that malformations of the genito-urinary tract, heart, limbs and/or face occur in the babies of cocaine-using mothers.

Breast feeding
It is likely that cocaine will reach the baby through breast milk. The effect this has will depend on factors such as the amount and strength of cocaine used, and the time between using cocaine and feeding the baby. Symptoms may include the baby being irritable, unsettled and difficult to feed.

Check with your doctor, or other health professional, if you are taking or planning to take any substances during pregnancy, including prescribed and over-the-counter medications.

HEROIN

Using heroin while pregnant can harm an unborn child. These babies are often born underdeveloped. They suffer from breathing problems and infections in the first few weeks of life.

Heroin can cause premature labour. Babies may be born so early that they need intensive care. The baby's poor health can also be associated with the poor health and nutrition of their mothers.

Heroin can cross the placenta and an unborn baby can become dependent on the drug. Babies of heroin-dependent mothers can suffer withdrawal symptoms after they are born. They often need special care in hospital.

Injecting heroin also increases the risk of HIV infection and other disease for both mother and baby.

Pregnant women who want to stop taking heroin need to be very careful. Sudden withdrawal from heroin may harm the baby and cause poor growth, miscarriage or premature labour.

It is recommended that you check with your doctor, or other health professional, if you are taking or planning to take any substances during pregnancy, including prescribed and over-the-counter medications.

Pregnancy
Little is known about the effects of cannabis on the unborn child. However, the use of cannabis during pregnancy is not recommended. If cannabis is used during pregnancy the baby may be born smaller and lighter than other babies. Low birth weight can be associated with infections and breathing problems.

Breast feeding
Little is known about the effects of cannabis smoking on breast feeding. It is believed that some of the drug will pass through the breast milk to the baby and the baby may become unsettled and demand frequent feeding. Check with your doctor, or other health professional, if you are taking or planning to take any substances during pregnancy, including prescribed and over-the-counter medications.