Effects of Drug Use on Fetal Development

Pregnancy is extremely sensitive to external elements that can cross the placental barrier, damage the uterus or placenta, or affect the mother’s health. These external elements can interfere with fetal development, affecting the maturation and calibration of organs and systems, which can lead to abnormal growth and increase the risk of short and long-term health problems. This course overviews the stages of fetal development, how the stages are affected by drug use, short-term health concerns, and long-term development delays in babies exposed to drugs in-utero.