Back in the early 70s, conversations around alcohol and drugs during pregnancy were almost non-existent. Birth defects related to alcohol? Nobody was talking about it! That all changed thanks to two doctors from the University of Washington, Dr. Mark Thompson and Dr. Sarah Johnson, who observed that babies exposed to high levels of alcohol in the womb shared distinct facial features and developmental challenges. Their observations led to the identification of Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) in 1973, a groundbreaking moment that shifted the focus toward the effects of various substances during pregnancy.
The revelation that alcohol could cause birth defects sparked a wave of research into other substances as well. Curiosity grew about the safety of medications and other drugs during pregnancy. To share findings from the limited research available, Dr. Johnson launched the first teratogen information service in 1979 from a modest office in San Diego. This initiative eventually evolved into what we now refer to as At Home Insemination.
Fast forward to June 2017, when experts gathered in Denver, Colorado, for the 30th Annual Meeting of the Organization of Teratology Information Specialists (OTIS). The event featured presentations on the latest research related to pregnancy exposures, highlighting what we’ve learned and what still needs exploration. Here are some key takeaways:
Prescription Opioids
Once marketed for ailments like fatigue and menstrual cramps, opioids have now contributed to a nationwide epidemic of substance use disorders. A 2014 study reported that over 14% of pregnant women in the U.S. were prescribed opioids for various health reasons. Pregnant women with opioid use disorders are often recommended to undergo maintenance therapy, like methadone, which poses fewer risks to the baby compared to sudden withdrawal. Infants exposed to opioids may experience withdrawal symptoms at birth, known as neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS). Recent studies show that breastfeeding can improve outcomes for these infants, even when mothers are on opioid therapy.
Cocaine
Research tracking a group of young adults since birth has revealed that those exposed to cocaine in utero face challenges with attention and memory. As these individuals have grown, they’ve exhibited more language difficulties and behavioral issues compared to those who were not exposed. Interestingly, supportive home environments can help mitigate some of these effects, but the struggles remain significant.
E-cigarettes
E-cigarettes are often regarded as a safer alternative to traditional cigarettes, but they still pose risks. Many pregnant women believe e-cigarettes are less harmful; however, studies have shown that prenatal exposure to nicotine can affect brain development, leading to potential behavioral issues later in life. With the current generation being exposed to e-cigarettes, researchers are keen to understand the long-term implications as they grow older.
Marijuana
Marijuana use during pregnancy is becoming more common, especially in states where it’s legal. Some women use it to manage anxiety or nausea, but the potential risks are still unclear. THC can cross the placenta, and while studies yield mixed results on its impact, many experts recommend avoiding it altogether during pregnancy.
Alcohol
The understanding of alcohol’s impact during pregnancy has evolved significantly. We’ve learned that the effects of prenatal alcohol exposure extend beyond the classic symptoms of FAS. This broader range of effects is now recognized under the umbrella term Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD), which affects around 2% of U.S. births each year, making it more prevalent than autism.
As we look to the future, there’s a clear need for continued research and awareness of the effects of substances during pregnancy. Each September, we observe FASD Awareness Month to highlight this important issue. If you’re interested in learning more about pregnancy and home insemination, check out our post on empowering your journey. For those looking for reliable resources, you can visit Make a Mom for expert insights on artificial insemination kits.
In summary, our understanding of the effects of alcohol and drugs during pregnancy has come a long way over the past four decades. From the initial discoveries of FAS to the current research on e-cigarettes and marijuana, it’s clear that ongoing education and support are vital for the health of future generations.