Does Intake Of Harmful Drugs With Alcohol Cause Any Adverse Effects On Fetus?

Posted on Thu, 24 Dec 2015

Question: I have been a recreational drug taker for quite some time and smoked crystal meth as well as had ecstasy tablets for three weekends in a row. During this time I also consumed at least two bottles of wine and smoked a lot of cigarettes over the course of the weekend. Two weeks after the last time I took any drugs I found out I was pregnant.

I am 7 weeks pregnant now (maximum - could be slightly less as my cycles go from 21 days to 33 days as they have been pretty irregular since I stopped breastfeeding almost a year ago) and due to personal issues over the weekend I drank a bottle of scotch, also had wine and then today I smoked crystal meth (not a considerable amount). I am concerned that I have put my baby at risk. What is the probability that my actions have caused my baby harm and what would be the potential health complications for the baby if I continue with the pregnancy?

I am otherwise in good health - 32 years old, 58kg, eat healthily though could exercise more. This baby would be my second child. I had a baby boy 16 months ago and he is perfectly healthy though I never took any drugs throughout my pregnancy with him (ceased taking anything a month before I conceived).

Answered by Dr. Soumya (35 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Possibility of harm to baby is there

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

I understand your concerns about possibility of harm to baby.

You have taken harmful drugs along with alcohol while you were pregnant. These drugs taken during first trimester have harmful effects on baby. But these effects are not 100 percent on all babies.

You need to get ultrasound scan done at 12th week and 20th week to know that baby is unharmed and normal. Till then continue the pregnancy.

Let me know if you need any more clarification.

Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T

Follow up: Dr. Soumya (45 minutes later)

There have been similar questions from patients on this website and all the answers from the doctors have said that there is very limited chance of this effecting the baby when it hasn't been long term use and that it's extremely early in the pregnancy.

Can you please confirm?

Answered by Dr. Soumya (6 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Chances of harm exist

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Your situation Is slightly different.

Baby has more chances of getting affected if these drugs are consumed within first 8 weeks of pregnancy which is crucial for growth of baby's parts like head, leg , brain etc...

Since you have taken more than one drug the harmful effects on baby are possible.

I hope your doubt is cleared.

Let me know if you need any more help.

Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D