Dangers of Cocaine or Crack Use During Pregnancy

It is estimated that around 5% of pregnant women use at least one addictive substance during their pregnancy, and approximately 750,000 pregnancies are exposed to cocaine every year.

Cocaine and crack cocaine produce similar highs that vary in speed of onset and overall intensity but produce similar mechanisms of intoxication in the body. The effects that cocaine and crack have on the body are especially dangerous for pregnant women and their babies.

Side Effects of Crack or Cocaine Use During Pregnancy on the Baby

Many women are afraid of what may result from doing coke while pregnant. Crack cocaine and powder cocaine use during pregnancy can result in a variety of issues for both the mother and the baby. Side effects of cocaine use and crack use during pregnancy for the baby include:

• Newborn drug withdrawal symptoms upon birth
• Low birth weight
• Intestinal deformations
• Birth defects

These side effects of cocaine use and crack use during pregnancy are caused by factors such as constriction of blood vessels during a cocaine high. ¹ When this happens during pregnancy, the baby’s developing body may not get the oxygen it needs, resulting in lower birth weight and possible birth defects.

Side Effects of Crack and Cocaine Use During Pregnancy on the Mother

Cocaine abuse during pregnancy can also harm the mother who is using the drugs. Scientists understand how drugs affect the skeletal system, but it’s not just the mother’s skeletal system that can be affected by cocaine abuse. Pregnancy is associated with cardiovascular challenges, and cocaine use will only worsen this. Cocaine use among pregnant mothers can cause:

• Hypertensive Crisis
• Preterm labor
• Migraines
• Seizures
• Premature Membrane Rupture

These effects of cocaine use during pregnancy will vary depending on the mother’s overall health, duration of drug use, and frequency of drug use.²

Treating Cocaine and Crack Cocaine Addiction

At Banyan Treatment Center Pompano, we offer crack and cocaine addiction treatment in Pompano to help patients get sober.