I’ve adopted 2 boys with cigarette, marijuana and alcohol exposure. Both have had digestive issues as babies. My youngest is only 8 weeks and the other is 14 months. My oldest is saying words and can focus very well. He is very well behaved and is advanced for his age. He was on Prevacid.  The doc just put my youngest on it too. My husband and I think it’s because they were both premature and were exposed to all those toxins.  Unless she is a heavy user I wouldnt worry.  We wanted a drug free BM but you cant choose these things, ya know.  It will all work out tho.  My boys are amazing!! Good luck!

Our daughter was born to a BM who smoked a pack or more in cigarettes a day and did marijuana weekly throughout her pregnancy. At birth our daughter was also positive for amphetamines. However, she did not go through any withdrawl issues. We expected at least nicotine withdrawl…but were grateful that she was fine. She was born a week early, BM had complications and baby was small…just over 6 pounds… but three months later she is meeting and exceeding her developmental milestones and is as chatty as can be. She has doubled her birth weight and is now in the 50% for her height/ weight. We’ll see what the future holds, but the doctor tells us she is a perfectly healthy little girl!

Our BM did not have any prenatal care…by the time she tried to get some she was more than 6 months along and no one would see her. So BM never had any drug tests…she was honest about the marijuana and cigarettes…but not about the meth…so if possible ask for a drug screening at check-ups…so you know what you are really dealing with.

Our son was born exposed to those two things, plus many more.  When the baby is born they should screen the newborn to see what drugs are in the system.  Don’t be surprised if they find others because typically if a user is doing some types of drugs they tend to do others and may take them when they start feeling contractions as a type of self medication.

High muscle tone can be the result of nicotine exposure and also low birth weight.  The baby may also have a more difficult time soothing as well as determining night and day.  Also, exposure can contribute to slower development on the physical side.  There is no conclusive evidence on the psycological side effects of prolonged exposure to illegal substances because the environment after the child is born plays a role in that.  Hopefully the baby will be full term before they are born as premature babies tend to have a variety of other issues.

The good thing is that you know of some existing exposure issues already so you can be a little bit prepared.  Try not to be too surprised if the baby has been exposed to other substances.

Remember if you provide a loving home for the child they will be better for having you there.

A couple of weeks ago, the BM was located, and a week ago our adopted son met her (he was 4 days old when he came to us, adopted at 22 months and now he is a 19 yr old w/adhd, PDD/nos, Auditory Processing Disorder, SI, Dyslexia, language disorder, etc.) The visit went well, and we enjoyed her company. We did learn from her that she took marijuana, LSD, cocaine, alcohol and smoked. Our adopted son is a joyful Christian. He is a whiz at building things, fixing items, and being creative. I have taught myself everything that I could about his disorders from books, other special families, doctors, and support groups. Please contact me for information, or to just have a friend!!