Substance abuse harms unborn babies

As an expectant mother, you want your baby to be as healthy as possible. Keep in mind that most of what the mother takes in, is passed through to her developing baby. This means that the pregnant mother should eat as healthy as possible and avoid harmful substances, such as alcohol, cigarettes, and drugs which are very dangerous for any developing baby. 

Examples of harmful substances during pregnancy are tobacco, alcohol, cannabis and other illegal substances. All these substances have been linked to harmful maternal and fetal outcomes including an increased risk of miscarriage, low birth weight babies, preterm labour and fetal alcohol syndrome. 

“Fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) is a condition where the baby born to a mother who drank alcohol or used substances during pregnancy, may suffer mental and physical challenges. For example, the child can have a small head and abnormal facial features, such as a thin upper lip and wide-set eyes.  They may also not develop normally, have intellectual difficulties and behavioural problems. Some children with FAS may have heart and kidney problems. Drinking alcohol or using substances while pregnant can impact your child for the rest of their life,” explains Dr Estelle Lawrence, Khayelitsha District Hospital.

The negative effects of substance abuse often continue after delivery with increased risks of malnutrition. Drug abuse during early pregnancy can affect the developing organs, limbs and brain of the fetus.

26-year-old pregnant District Six Clinic patient, Nobenathi Dyifili, says that she decided to prioritise her unborn baby’s future. “I chose not to drink alcohol or use illegal substances because they may damage my growing child’s brain. I am a teacher by profession I have seen how a child’s learning ability can be negatively affected due to the mother drinking alcohol while pregnant. I want to do my best in protecting my unborn child against any deformities that may be caused by substance abuse’’.

“No amount or type of alcohol can be considered safe for women who are pregnant or who are trying to fall pregnant,” says Dr Lize Weich, from Stellenbosch University and Stikland Hospital.

Are you struggling to stop drinking alcohol, using drugs or smoking? Speak to your healthcare worker, social worker, or religious leader. You can also contact any of the following organisations:

• Alcoholics Anonymous: 021 418 0908
• SANCA: 021 945 4080

For more information on how you can help your child develop and grow during the first thousand days of their lives, from conception up to two years, visit: https://www.westerncape.gov.za/first-1000-days.