Heroin’s Effect On The Unborn Child

Heroin is an extremely addictive, semi-synthetic opioid, which is used recreationally to produce intense feelings of relaxation and euphoria. Heroin tolerance often requires users to take heightened doses of the drug to ensure the same effect with long-term use.

When pregnant mothers use heroin, the fetus takes the drug into their system through the placenta. Because of this, children born to mothers who use heroin stand a high risk for addiction before birth.

Heroin in the Unborn

Unborn babies of heroin addicted mothers are at a heightened risk for complications, premature and stillbirth. However, mothers dependent to heroin must not choose to quit using without the approval and aid of a specialized physician. In an effort to reduce a mother’s heroin dependency, many physicians utilize methadone.

Birth

Babies who are exposed to heroin in the womb are at high risk for a variety of afflictions following birth. These include: premature birth, hypoglycemia, respiratory issues, intracranial hemorrhage and low birth weight. Children forced into heroin withdrawal may experience seizures, tremors, moodiness, vomiting, sleeping difficulties, achiness, diarrhea and fever.

Long-Term Effects

The long-term effects of heroin on children are not well known. A number of babies born with heroin addiction often require special needs classes in school, while others are forced to repeat 1+ grades throughout their academic career. Whether this is due to early drug exposure or other reasons is still unknown.

More Information?

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