If a pregnant woman abuses drugs, does it affect the fetus?

Yes: Yes particularly stimulants like cocaine, and sedatives like benzodiazepines and barbituates. Even smoking as it affects fetal growth and alcohol which causes fetal alcohol syndrome, the most common cause of preventable mental retardation.

Yes: Most assuredly it can. There are many chemicals, drugs and environmental toxins that can cross the placenta and potentially harm the developing fetus.

Yes: Most drugs cross the placenta and affect a growing fetus. Some babies can be born addicted to drugs and will go through withdrawal they are born.

Yes: Absolutely! the fetus will experience many of the same things the mother experiences with drugs of abuse, including withdrawal, stimulation, depression, addiction, etc. In addition, the fetus, because it is still developing, may also get developmental problems, including birth defects, mental retardation, growth retardation, etc. Don't do it; and if you do, seek the help of you doctor.

Yes: Most drugs, including both prescription and recreational, cross the placenta and affect the fetus. In some cases the damage to the baby can be severe. It is best to avoid all drugs during pregnancy if at all possible.