sana makatulong. salamat

1. Maternal Drug Abuse
by: Group 2

2. Maternal Drug Abuse
Maternal substance abuse may consist of any
combination of drug, chemical, alcohol, and
tobacco use during the pregnancy.

3. While in the womb, a fetus grows and develops
due to nourishment from the mother via the
placenta. However, along with nutrients, any
toxins in the mother's system may be delivered
to the fetus. These toxins may cause damage to
the developing fetal organs. A baby also may
become dependent on substances used by the
mother.

4. SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS SEEN
IN AN INFANT OF A
SUBSTANCE-ABUSING
MOTHER

5. Babies born to substance-abusing mothers may have
short- or long-term effects.
• Short-term withdrawal symptoms may consist only
of mild fussiness.
• More severe findings may include acting irritable or
jittery, feeding problems, and diarrhea. Symptoms
vary depending on which substances were used.

6. • The diagnosis for babies with signs of withdrawal
may be confirmed with drug tests of the baby's urine
or stool. The mother's urine will also be tested.
• Infants born to mothers who drink alcohol, even in
modest amounts, are at risk for fetal alcohol
syndrome (FAS). This condition consists of growth
problems, unusual facial features, and intellectual
disability. It may not be detected at time of birth.

7. • Other drugs may cause birth defects involving
the heart, brain, bowel, or kidneys.
• Babies who have been exposed to drugs,
alcohol, or tobacco are at higher risk for SIDS
(sudden infant death syndrome).

8. WHAT ARE THE TREATMENT
FOR AN INFANT OF A
SUBSTANCE-ABUSING
MOTHER?

9. • Limiting noise and bright lights
• Maximizing "TLC" (tender loving care)
• Using medicines (for some)

10. In the case of babies whose mothers used
narcotics, the baby is most often given small
doses of a narcotic at first. The amount is slowly
adjusted as the baby is weaned off of the
substance over days to weeks. Sedatives are
sometimes used as well.

11. Infants with organ damage, birth defects or
developmental issues may need medical or
surgical therapy and long-term therapies.
In addition, these infants are more likely to grow
up in homes that do not promote healthy
emotional and mental growth.