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Teratogens are described as substances or lifestyles that can cause congenital disorders in a developing fetus. This includes anything you are exposed to or ingest during a pregnancy period.

This includes but is not limited to drugs, chemicals, maternal diseases, stress, and toxic substances.

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Studies show that a steady 5.9% of pregnant woman (ages 14-44) have or are abusing drugs during their pregnancy.

These can be legal drugs (nicotine or marijuana) or hard drugs (cocaine and heroin). "The pattern of rates of current illicit drug use among young adolescent females has grown to where they are now more likely than males in their age group to be current non-medical users of psychoactive drugs." (Ross, 2014)

Hard drugs can delay or damage the woman's fetus in so many different ways. This includes growth restriction, decreased weight, triggered premature labor and birth, drug dependency within the baby, alternating genetic programming (found in cocaine usage), and much more.

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"In utero" is a Latin phrase meaning "in the womb"

It is often used in the science and medical field when referring to the time babies are growing and developing in the womb (anytime before the baby is born)

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This video is a great look at some effects hard drug usage has on embryos during development.

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Dr. Bergeron speaks on drugs and pregnancy

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Most Important Times During Development 

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Most Important Times During Development 

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Weeks 1-3: Drugs may cause a miscarriage this early on in pregnancy.

Weeks 3-8: (Embryonic Stage) -- Vital organs, limbs, and facial features are forming and developing during this time. If this progress is deterred or affected by the drugs, it could cause extreme abnormalities or even eliminate some of these features.

Weeks 9-40: (Fetal Stage) -- This stage focuses on growth (length/weight) and brain development. Rapid cell growth and synapse formation are critical for nervous system development, and disruption leads to neurodevelopmental disorders.

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More effects that babies can suffer from when drugs are abused. 

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Neurodevelopmental disorders (NDD) are disabilities associated with the brain and nervous system.

Common Examples

1. ADHD

2. Cerebral Palsy

3. Autism

4. Vision & Hearing impairments

5. Conduct Disorders

NDD in children later can experience it in ways such as delayed learning, faulty memory, and difficulties with speech and language.

While some NDDs are permanent, others such as ADHD can be treated or toned down by medication or lifestyle changes.

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Say no to hard drugs; both lives will thank you.

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The image above shows one side effect of meth usage when carrying a child. 

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Saying No for Two: Advertisements & Strategies    

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Saying No for Two: Advertisements & Strategies    

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The way best to get through to people is via images.

Many people can read a slogan and carry on with their day, but seeing a frightening or alarming picture will keep facts embedded in many minds. It also will show the reality that could be you if you chose that specific lifestyle.

Something like the image above, showing how frightening and real substance abuse can be when pregnant will be a game changer.

Bus signs, billboards, small poster signs- any place a typical laid-out advertisement would be.

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I believe this target audience would be people who live in lower-income communities and young girls in school. Educating people beforehand so that they know the side effects would be key.

Unfortunately, someone who is already exercising drug usage when conceiving is going to be difficult to persuade to stop with just images. They need rehabilitation and support systems. Including a phone number or resources on the billboard would be smart as well to give easy access to those who have already begun a drug journey. It's so difficult to conquer this addiction alone!

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Why is it important to be aware of this teratogen? 

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Drugs have little to no positive outcomes when taken. Besides an initial dopamine hit and reliever, the addictive traits leave health issues for the user and their unborn child. These health issues could be minor, like ADHD later in childhood years, to not developing lungs or limbs within the womb.

In the mother, hard drugs could lead to mental disorders, premature labor, and even death.

Making sure that the mother is in healthy condition and practicing self-care during her pregnancy journey is essential for herself and the fetus.

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Neurodevelopmental Disorders: A Deeper Dive 

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Neurodevelopmental Disorders: A Deeper Dive 

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A story of a mother and her child dealing with her meth & marijuana addiction.

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A baby’s struggle to overcome her mother’s addiction

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The opioid epidemic’s toll on pregnant women and babies