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Tips for Preventing Birth Defects

 
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Do Not Use Illegal Drugs

If you use illegal drugs, quit before becoming pregnant. The use of illegal or “street” drugs leads to serious birth defects. Marijuana use during pregnancy is thought to slow fetal growth and increase the risk for premature birth. Maternal use of methamphetamine or crystal meth increases the risk for poor fetal growth, congenital heart defects, cleft lip and cleft palate. Cocaine use during pregnancy increases the risk for placental abruption, a baby born with a smaller head and defects of the genitals, kidneys and brain. Any drugs used during pregnancy pass from the mother’s bloodstream and cross the placenta to the baby. Elimination of the drug is slower in a fetus than in an adult, thus, the drug remains in the baby’s body much longer than in an adult’s body.

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