Crystal+Meth+Use+During+Pregnancy

= Crystal Meth Use During Pregnancy =

What is Crystal Meth?
Crystal methamphetamine (AKA Crystal Meth) is a very dangerous synthetic drug that gets it's name from the way that it resembles crystals. Usually a pale blue/white colour, crystal meth is a stimulant, and therefore very addictive.

How does Crystal Meth use Affect Mom?
In addition to the socio-economical side effects of crystal meth use, a pregnant woman may also experience such side effects as:


 * Anxiety
 * Increased blood pressure
 * Increased sweating and heart rate
 * Insomnia and Paranoia
 * Irritatbility
 * Psychosis
 * Mental and Physical exhaustion

**How Does Crystal Meth Use Affect Baby? **
A mother's use of crystal meth during pregnancy can have effects on the developing fetus but can also cause developmental problems in the child later in life. Research conducted by the University of Toronto in 2005 shows that addicts are not the only ones at risk for detrimental side effects of crystal meth. Just one "hit" has been proved to cause long-term neurodevelopmental issues for an unborn child. The developing babies of crystal meth user mothers are also more vulnerable to DNA damage because fetuses have not yet developed the enzymes that will eventually help to protect the baby from free radicals. Other effects of crystal meth use during pregnancy are :


 * Low birth weight
 * Premature birth
 * Cleft palates
 * Mental and physical disabilities
 * Increased risk of miscarriage
 * Placental abruption

[|Meth Babies]

__**Works Cited:**__ The Hospital for Sick Children. (1999-2013). //Babies can be exposed to "crystal meth" while in the// womb. Motherisk. []