CFC #12020
Venmo @NacoaVoice4Children
CFC #12020
Venmo @NacoaVoice4Children
Prenatal substance exposure (in utero) not only influences the fetus’s growth and development during pregnancy but can also have lifelong effects.
• Birth Defects and Growth Issues low birth weight, small head circumference, premature birth, and physical malformations, including heart defects, limb amputation, and oral-facial clefts
• Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome related to opioids and other CNS depressants, this causes symptoms such as excessive crying, tremors, feeding problems, high-pitched crying, irritability, and seizures
• Brain Damage can directly damage the developing nervous system, leading to impaired neurodevelopment, structural brain changes, and lower IQ
• Increased Risk of Stillbirth/SIDs increase the risk of stillbirth by 1.8 to 2.8 times and increases the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).
• Neurodevelopmental Impairments Cognitive, psychological, and behavioral issues
• Mental Health Problems Increased risk for ADHD, anxiety, and mood disorders
• Learning and Academic Challenges Difficulties with language development, memory, and executive function (attention and organization)
• Increased Risk of Substance Use Disorders (SUDs) Adolescents with prenatal exposure are at higher risk for developing their own substance use disorders
These lifelong challenges are 100% avoidable when the pregnant mother abstains from using the substances. These effects can inevitably impact the ability to function in classroom, social, or family settings. Without a diagnosis of the impact of such explosure, and its related assistance, many individuals have carried into adulthood feelings of struggle, confusion, self-doubt, and a belief they are a failure. Find more information about the impact of parent substance use on children, who mature into adulthood still carrying much of the burden and shame from their childhood.
Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome refers to a broad range of signs and symptoms in infants experiencing withdrawal from substances they were exposed to in the womb.
Babies born with NAS experience both short- and long-term effects, but additional research is necessary to fully understand the long-term impacts.
Symptoms of neonatal abstinence syndrome include:
• Vomiting and/or diarrhea
• Fever and sweating
• Breathing quickly
• Loud, high-pitched and excessive crying
• Frequent sucking
• Shaking (tremors)
• Diaper rash
The most important thing to do for a child with NAS is to provide comfort and a stable, nurturing environment. The best response to Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS) is a "Eat, Sleep, Console" (ESC) approach, prioritizing non-pharmacological care like skin-to-skin contact, swaddling, rooming-in, and quiet environments
Prenatal cannabis exposure is growing more concerning as research begins to document concerns. Caution is deserving as more will be revealed in further scientific studies.
Cannabis consumption during pregnancy impacts on baby:
• Preterm birth
• Fetal Growth Restrictions
• Anencephaly – severe neural tube defect
• Anemia
• Cognitive deficits
• Can also promote still birth
Learn more about this exposure by reading CDC’s Cannabis and Pregnancy.
Additionally, cannabis may pass through the breast milk, continuing to impact brain development, as well as milk production. American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that breastfeeding mothers stay away from marijuana to help keep breast milk safe and healthy.
Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) is an umbrella term describing the range of effects that can occur in an individual prenatally exposed to alcohol. Recent studies suggest that 1 in 20 U.S. school-aged children may have an FASD. These effects may include physical, mental, behavioral, and/or learning disabilities with lifelong implications. The term FASD is not intended for use as a clinical diagnosis.
FASD is the leading known cause of developmental disabilities that is 100% preventable. It’s important to note that there is no known safe amount of alcohol use during pregnancy or while trying to get pregnant.
Physical Issues
• Low birth weight and growth
• Problems with heart, kidneys, and other organs
• Damage to parts of the brain
Which Leads to
• Behavioral and intellectual disabilities
• Learning disabilities and low IQ
• Hyperactivity
• Difficulty with attention
• Poor ability to communicate in social situations
• Poor reasoning and judgement skills
Which Can Lead to Issues with
• School and social skills
• Living independently
• Mental health
• Substance use
• Keeping a job
• Trouble with the law
Remember, each child with FASD is unique. What works for one child may not work for another. Patience, consistency, and a willingness to try different approaches are key.
FASD Resources
• FASD United (formally known as NO-FAS)
• FASD United family navigator (support request on website)
• CDC FASD Information page
• American Academy of Pediatrics FASD Toolkit
• American Academy of Pediatrics Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder Assessment
• Proof Alliance (online checklist/screening)
• CANFASD – CANDAD FASD research network (provide on-demand learning, support for adults with FASD
• Salt Spring and Gulf Islands FASD group (created by an adult with FASD)
• Parents Helping Parents – information and online support groups
Additional resources can be found exploring your state website, a state family alliance agency, The ARC, state university services, or state/local disability services.
