Health Topics for Child Health and Development

UI Children's Hospital

UI Family Care Centers

Divisions Within the Department of Pediatrics

Iowa Registry for Congenital and Inherited Disorders

Alcohol-affected or drug-addicted babies

An unborn baby depends on his mother for nourishment. When a pregnant woman drinks alcohol or takes drugs, she risks damaging her unborn child. The good news is that alcohol or drug-related birth defects can be prevented. The only thing the mother has to do during her pregnancy is to not drink alcohol or take drugs. All pregnant women should avoid all alcohol and any drugs unless prescribed by a healthcare provider.

A baby is at risk for many preventable problems if the mother drinks alcohol, including beer and wine, during pregnancy. Babies born to mothers who drink can develop fetal alcohol syndrome. It is uncertain how much alcohol it takes to create a fetal alcohol syndrome infant. Fetal alcohol syndrome is one of three leading causes of physical and mental birth defects.

The following symptoms are characteristic of fetal alcohol syndrome:

• small size, particularly the head
• clubfoot, "strawberry" birthmarks, or facial deformities
• mental retardation
• learning disabilities
• behavioral problems
• jittery gait and lack of coordination and
• problems with the liver, kidneys, heart, and joints

The physical damage of alcohol on a developing fetus lasts a lifetime. Any alcohol that a mother drinks puts her unborn baby at risk. Even modest drinkers have more miscarriages and stillborn babies than nondrinkers. When there is alcohol in the mother's blood, it is in her unborn baby's blood as well. Many of these babies suffer alcohol withdrawal, which can last from 1 week up to 6 months with signs of agitation, tremors, and seizures.

Infants whose mothers took drugs, such as cocaine or heroin, during their pregnancy may go through withdrawal at birth. Symptoms that may range from mild to severe include hyperactivity, sleep and feeding problems, a high-pitched cry, fussiness, breathing problems, diarrhea, vomiting, and convulsions.

For mild symptoms, gentle handling, frequent feedings, and quiet, cozy surroundings are helpful. Treatment may include oxygen if there is trouble breathing. Severe symptoms may require drug therapy as well.

Infants with drug withdrawal may be more prone to respiratory distress and sudden infant death syndrome. These infants should be watched closely. Their long-term development may also be affected.

Last Reviewed 2005

Disclaimer: This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to change as new health information becomes available. The information provided is intended to be informative and educational and is not a replacement for professional medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional.

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