Final answer:
When born to a mother with a substance addiction, it is important to consider that the newborn may also be dependent on the substance, requiring careful weaning under medical supervision. Substances like heroin and alcohol can cause significant withdrawal symptoms and congenital disorders like fetal alcohol syndrome. Substance abuse during pregnancy is closely linked to multiple adverse outcomes for the child, including physical abuse, neglect, and developmental challenges.
Step-by-step explanation:
At birth, if the mother was addicted to a substance, there is a strong likelihood that the newborn is also dependent on the substance. Compounds such as heroin, cocaine, methamphetamine, prescription medications, and over-the-counter drugs are considered teratogens, which can cause dependency in newborns. A baby born with a heroin addiction, for example, would need the drug similarly to an adult addict and requires medical supervision to be gradually weaned off to prevent life-threatening withdrawal symptoms like seizures.
Exposure to these substances during pregnancy can have numerous deleterious effects, including the risk of fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) in the case of alcohol consumption. FAS is characterized by unique facial features such as a small eye opening, smooth philtrum, and a thin upper lip. Moreover, maternal smoking can lead to premature birth, low-birth-weight infants, stillbirth, and sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).
Children raised by substance abusers have a significantly higher risk of experiencing physical abuse and neglect. Additionally, drug and alcohol use during pregnancy contributes not only to immediate health risks but also increases the likelihood of child abuse and neglect within the family environment.