Fetus Prescription Drugs

1480 Words6 Pages
Over the Counter Drugs and Prescription Drugs and the Affect It Has on Neonates A developing fetus is a part of its mother, sharing nutrients and oxygen through the umbilical cord and across the placenta. The placenta is a natural filter, protecting the fetus from external harm (Field, 2007). Today, we know that nearly everything in a woman’s bloodstream passes through to the developing organs of the fetus. Since a fetus cannot remove harmful substances on its own, all the drugs a woman uses during pregnancy stay in its body longer than they do in their mother’s womb; at higher and more toxic level (Agin, 2010). In general, it is important to avoid unnecessary drug exposure to the growing fetus because fetal harm may result from maternal…show more content…
Growth of the fetus is likely to be insufficient and premature birth defects are more common with these drugs crossing the placenta, constricts the blood vessels reducing blood flow to the fetus (Agin, 2010). The reduce blood and oxygen supply to the fetus slows the growth of bones and intestine. The use of over the counter drugs and prescription drugs can act directly on the fetus causing damage and abnormal development leading to birth defect and death. It can also cause the muscles of the uterus to contact forcefully, reducing the blood to trigger pre-term labor and delivery (Agin,…show more content…
Finally, research show that when a mother breastfeed, she provides good nutrients for her baby (American Academy of Pediatrics, 2001). Breastfeeding is a healthier choice for most moms and within the breast milk it has special antibodies that provide immunity against many illnesses. A mother’s breast milk is easier for digestion and cause less colic and stomach upsets for babies therefore most women tend to nurse. In contrary to breast feeding, after having a baby it can be painful for women. They suffer headaches and other body aces, for example, pain in their

More about Fetus Prescription Drugs

Open Document