ABUJA – Mr Yabo Makoshi, Head of Pharmacy Department, National Hospital, Abuja has advised pregnant women against indiscriminate use of hard drugs even in small quantity.
Makoshi gave the advice on Tuesday in Abuja in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).
He said that the use of illicit drugs by pregnant women could affect both mother and the unborn child at every stage of the pregnancy and after birth.
According to Makosi, in early pregnancy, almost all drugs that pass through the placenta to reach the baby could have some effect on the development of the baby.
He added that consumption of such drugs could reduce the amount of oxygen supply to the child among other complications.
“The effect of hard drugs may lead to the placenta moving away from the side of the uterus, which could lead to severe bleeding,
“ It can also be life-threatening for both the mother and the baby.
“Pregnant women who acquire AIDS virus through intravenous drug could also pass the virus to their infants, he said.
Makoshi explained that consumption of hard drugs such as cannabis (also called marijuana) during pregnancy could make the baby unsettled and more easily startled after birth.
“ In the longer term, it could also cause behaviour and learning problems for the baby as he or she grows older,’’ he said, adding that the baby may have withdrawal symptoms.
The pharmacist told NAN that smoking could also expose unborn baby to the risks associated with premature labour, low birth weight amongst other complications.
The effects of smoking on mothers, he said, could be difficulty in coping with the needs of the baby and also depression after having the baby.
He said that sudden break in the use of such drugs could be harmful to both mother and baby and could also lead to miscarriage.
According to Makoshi, the safest way to address such cases was to seek medical help amongst other adjustments to lifestyle. (NAN)
Consunption of illicit drugs during pregnancy is unsafe – says expert
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