What Influence do Drugs Have on a Baby?
One of the main concerns many waiting families have in the adoption process is whether or not the baby has been exposed to drugs or alcohol.
The effects of drugs or alcohol on developing fetuses vary far and wide. While there are some studies that suggest drugs or alcohol can have a tremendous effect on a child’s development, others suggest that the findings are not as significant.
American Adoptions recommends that, prior to beginning the adoption process, families speak to pediatricians about the effects drugs and alcohol may have on unborn children, particularly pediatricians from large, urban areas where drug and alcohol usage in pregnancy may be more prevalent.
At American Adoptions, families are given the ability to choose what situations they are comfortable with. For instance, if a family is not comfortable adopting a child that may have been exposed to a specific drug, such as marijuana, then they will not be matched with a birth mother that does not meet those parameters. While families that are open to more situations usually experience shorter wait times, it is important that each family fully researches the effects of all drugs and alcohol on unborn children in order to be able to make a fully informed decision regarding what adoption situations they are comfortable accepting.
