Risks of Neonatal Morbidity on Infants Exposed to Marijuana
Most abusive drugs have the potential to alter a person’s thinking and judgment. The use of illicit drugs can lead to potential health risks. Most drugs have the capability to harm a fetus; pregnancy-related issues are noted to be caused from tetragons while pregnant. The most commonly used illicit drug among women of reproductive age or by women who are pregnant is Marijuana. It is difficult to be positive about the precise effects of marijuana on the developing fetus and the lasting effects that it produces. The difficulty lies because those who use marijuana habitually use other drugs as well, including tobacco and alcohol. Though it is hard to gather data due to moral and practical …show more content…
After gathering reliable data, it suggests that marijuana use by the mother can have short and long term effects that will haunt children around for the rest of their lives. A study concluded that prenatal exposure resulted in a higher rate of low birth weight infants. Other studies have proposed a decrease in memory retrieval and memory retention in children exposed to marijuana preterm. In addition, it was noted that these children were deficient in planning, integration, and judgment skills compared to other cohort children (Briggs, Yaffe, 2005). Some other important data to include is the fact that children exposed to marijuana in-utero have poorer verbal capabilities, and motor skills and are more likely to be fearful, impulsive, hyperactive and delinquent (University of Washington, 2013). These ailments have long acting affects and can follow them throughout their lifespan.
It is very important that developing fetuses have every opportunity to grow without the effects of teratogenic agents. The teratogenic agent of marijuana is said to create adverse effects for the length of life. The controversial topic of marijuana legalization has created an issue for child development because mothers are lacking education on the negative impacts it generates on the child in-utero. Education and reinforcement needs stressed onto these women. It will benefit the cause to reduce babies being affected by
Most abusive drugs have the potential to alter a person’s thinking and judgment. The use of illicit drugs can lead to potential health risks. Most drugs have the capability to harm a fetus; pregnancy-related issues are noted to be caused from tetragons while pregnant. The most commonly used illicit drug among women of reproductive age or by women who are pregnant is Marijuana. It is difficult to be positive about the precise effects of marijuana on the developing fetus and the lasting effects that it produces. The difficulty lies because those who use marijuana habitually use other drugs as well, including tobacco and alcohol. Though it is hard to gather data due to moral and practical …show more content…
After gathering reliable data, it suggests that marijuana use by the mother can have short and long term effects that will haunt children around for the rest of their lives. A study concluded that prenatal exposure resulted in a higher rate of low birth weight infants. Other studies have proposed a decrease in memory retrieval and memory retention in children exposed to marijuana preterm. In addition, it was noted that these children were deficient in planning, integration, and judgment skills compared to other cohort children (Briggs, Yaffe, 2005). Some other important data to include is the fact that children exposed to marijuana in-utero have poorer verbal capabilities, and motor skills and are more likely to be fearful, impulsive, hyperactive and delinquent (University of Washington, 2013). These ailments have long acting affects and can follow them throughout their lifespan.
It is very important that developing fetuses have every opportunity to grow without the effects of teratogenic agents. The teratogenic agent of marijuana is said to create adverse effects for the length of life. The controversial topic of marijuana legalization has created an issue for child development because mothers are lacking education on the negative impacts it generates on the child in-utero. Education and reinforcement needs stressed onto these women. It will benefit the cause to reduce babies being affected by