A new study has warned that the use of drugs such as marijuana during pregnancy can seriously harm the development of the baby.
Drug exposure in the womb has been linked to impaired thinking ability in children in early childhood. The researchers published their report in the journal JAMA Pediatrics.
Researchers have found that children of drug-addicted mothers also develop behavioral problems such as lack of consistency, inability to concentrate, and aggressive behavior.
Sarah Kim, principal investigator of the Center for Biobehavioral Health at Nationwide Children’s Hospital in Ohio, said that drug use during pregnancy carries many risks for the mother as well as the baby.
Kim added that some women turn to the drug to deal with some common pregnancy problems, including nausea, sleep problems and stress, even though it’s not recommended by any medical professionals.
He said it is important to consult with a professional health care provider to find safe options to deal with these problems during pregnancy.
