An unborn baby depends on his mother for nourishment. When a pregnant woman drinks alcohol or takes drugs, she risks damaging her unborn child. The good news is that alcohol or drug-related birth defects can be prevented. All the mother has to do during her pregnancy is to not drink alcohol or take drugs.

A baby is at risk for many preventable problems if the mother drinks during pregnancy. Babies born to mothers who drink can develop Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS). It is uncertain how much alcohol it takes to create a FAS infant. FAS is one of three leading causes of physical and mental birth defects. The following symptoms are characteristic of FAS:
* small size, particularly the head,
* club foot, "strawberry" birthmarks, or facial deformities,
* mental retardation,
* learning disabilities,
* behavioral problems,
* jittery gait and lack of coordination, and
* problems with the liver, kidneys, heart, and joints.

When there is alcohol in the mother's blood, it is in her unborn baby's blood as well. Many of these babies suffer alcohol withdrawal. It can last from 1 week up to 6 months. The signs are agitation, tremors, and seizures. The physical damage of alcohol on a developing fetus lasts a lifetime. Any alcohol that a mother drinks puts her unborn baby at risk. Even modest drinkers have more miscarriages and stillborn babies than nondrinkers.

Infants whose mothers took drugs during their pregnancy may go through withdrawal at birth. Symptoms may range from mild to severe. They include hyperactivity, sleep and feeding problems, a high-pitched cry, fussing, breathing problems, diarrhea, vomiting, and convulsions. For mild symptoms, treatment may include oxygen if there is trouble breathing. Gentle handling, frequent feedings, and quiet, cozy surroundings are also helpful. Severe symptoms may require drug therapy as well. Infants with drug withdrawal may be more prone to respiratory distress and sudden infant death syndrome. These infants should be watched closely. Their long-term development may also be affected.

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