Dangerous Effects of Smoking on Human Body (Drugteststrips)

Tobacco is considered as the greatest cause of preventable deaths in the United States and throughout the world. According to the American Heart Association and the National Health Interview Survey of 2008, 24.8 million men and 21.1 million women in the United States are smokers. Tobacco smoking causes many diseases affecting major organs of the body including heart, brain, and lungs.

Effects
Nicotine is the most active and important chemical component that causes dangerous effects in human body. It is a major risk factor for heart attacks; lung and mouth cancers and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Here, we will discuss about some of the dangerous effects of smoking on human body.

Oral cancer:
It was revealed by the National Institutes of Health that a variety of cancers including cancers of oral cavity, esophagus, larynx, and lungs are caused by cigar smoking. It was observed that around 90% of the patients with oral cancer are smokers. Laryngeal cancer is caused about 20 to 30 times more in smokers than non-smokers. Smoking causes inflammation around the teeth which is termed as periodontitis. Adherent white plaques and patches occur on the membranes of oral cavity and is called as leukoplakia.

Effect on heart rate and blood pressure:
Increase in rate of heartbeat and a sharp rise in blood pressure are the immediate effects of smoking on heart and blood circulation. The heart rate increases by about 30 times during the first 10 minutes of smoking. Nicotine causes the blood vessels to get narrowed resulting in rise of blood pressure. The oxygen carrying capacity of the blood is decreased by carbon monoxide which increases heart rate. Long term effects of smoking include increase in levels of fibrinogen and cholesterol in blood increasing risk of heart attacks. Coronary heart disease (CHD), Peripheral vascular disease (PVD), aneurysm, artherosclerosis, and others are caused by the heart and circulation attacks.

Effect on lungs:
More than 80% lung cancer cases are accounted by tobacco. Inability of cilia to remove the tar content of cigarette smoke leads to lung and laryngeal cancer. Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is caused by smoking and is characterized by shortness of breath; persistent cough with sputum; and damage to lungs including emphysema and chronic bronchitis.

Effect on liver:
Numerous toxins are present in the cigarettes that lead to chronic inflammation and scarring of liver. This may increase the risk of diseases such as liver cancer, liver fibrosis, and Hepatitis B and C. Chemicals such as N-Nitrosodiethylamine, N-Nitrosopyrrolidine, and arsenic present in cigarettes are responsible for cause of liver tumors. The ability of liver to detoxify dangerous substances gets diminished by smoking.

Effect on brain dysfunction:
Nicotine reaches the brain within 10 seconds after inhalation. Carotid artery is the main artery that supplies blood to the brain. Fatty substances are built up in the carotid artery due to cigarette smoking. This decreases the supply of blood to the brain cells and results in stroke called as cerebral thrombosis. The risk of this stroke in smokers is about 1.5 times to that of non-smokers. Thickening and clotting of blood in brain may also be caused due to smoking.

Effect on digestive system:
Harmful effects of smoking can be seen on all parts of the digestive system. The decrease in strength of lower esophageal valve allows the acids of stomach to reflux into esophagus. This situation is termed as heartburn. The movement of bile salts from intestine to stomach is also promoted by smoking. Smoking increases the rate of formation of peptic ulcers.

Effect of skin and hair:
Collagen, a protein in skin, keeps the skin elastic. As nicotine affects collagen, elasticity of the skin is reduced. The tiny capillaries which nourish the skin are also constricted by nicotine, leading to formation of wrinkles. Healing process also gets affected by smoking and longer time is taken to heal a wound. The immune system is suppressed by the nicotine which leads to increase in susceptibility of viral infections of skin.

Premature thinning and graying of hair is seen in smokers. The chances of people becoming bald are twice in smokers than in non-smokers. Premature graying of hair is also 3 to 6 times common in smokers.

Effect on bone and muscle:
Healing of fractures is delayed by smoking. Blood flow to all tissues is restricted by nicotine. Mostly it is restricted in newly forming tissues, which are involved in bone repair. The chemicals of tobacco are responsible for inhibition of development of new muscle and bone tissue cells. The risk of osteoporosis is increased by smoking. Significantly lower bone densities are seen among women smokers and are more likely to suffer fractures. The risk of osteoporosis among women is 50% more in smokers than non-smokers.

Effect on respiratory system:
Entry of chemicals of tobacco into mouth and trachea causes irritation and chemical burns. It causes sore throat and pain. Cancer causing properties of certain chemicals may cause burns on trachea resulting in throat cancer. Many fatal diseases are caused by smoking including cancers of mouth, nasopharynx, larynx and lung. Increased risk of asthma, cough, bronchitis and pneumonia are seen in children who are exposed to passive smoking.

Psychological effects:
The feeling of euphoria and calmness are considered as the root cause for addiction to cigarettes. Nicotine triggers the release of dopamine in brain giving pleasure reaction. The psychological effects of smoking are dependent on the physical effect of nicotine on brain. When a person quits smoking, the psychological desire for cigarettes can last for many years, whereas the physical desire can be overcome within 2 weeks.

Smoking causes many dangerous effects on human body. American Cancer Society estimated that 168,000 Americans died of cancer due to tobacco smoking in 2007. Yearly smoking causes 1 in 5 deaths in America. Hence, it is necessary to take serious steps for eradication of smoking habits. Many educational programs have to be conducted to make people aware of the harmful effects of smoking on human body.

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Know About the Dangerous Effects of Crack Cocaine on Unborn Fetus (Drugteststrips)

Cocaine is known as one of the most dangerous illicit drugs of abuse throughout the world. According to NSDUH (National Survey on drug Use and Health) 2009, there were about 1.6 million Cocaine users in America. 'Crack' Cocaine is more potent and powerful form of Cocaine. It increases the effects of the drug on the user and is significantly more dangerous than regular Cocaine abuse. An increasing number of people are getting addicted to Crack Cocaine due to its highly addictive nature. Around 94,000 people initiated Crack Cocaine in 2009.

Crack releases a chemical called dopamine from the brain into the body causing the abuser to experience a burst of euphoria. As Crack has large psychological addiction potential, some expectant mothers continue to abuse Crack throughout their pregnancy.

Babies born to mothers who abused Crack Cocaine are predicted to suffer from severe, irreversible damage, which includes reduced intelligence and social skills. Though many people argue that it is a gross exaggeration, some researches are now finding that exposure to Cocaine during fetal development may lead to subtle, yet significant, deficits in some children.

When a pregnant woman abuses crack, it quickly enters her bloodstream and rushes to all parts of her body including to her developing baby. Thus, Crack abuse by mother during pregnancy exposes the baby to dangerous toxins. Mothers abusing Crack, while pregnant are putting their unborn children in terrible danger. The effects of Crack Cocaine are just now beginning to be understood, especially on the unborn fetus. Some of the dangerous effects associated with Crack Cocaine on the unborn fetus include:

Threat on fetus/unborn baby
Crack Cocaine abuse by expecting mothers during pregnancy can affect both the pregnant woman and her unborn baby. It may increase the risk of miscarriage during the early months of pregnancy. It may lead to poor fetal growth, low birth weight, increased risk of birth defects, physical malformations, risk of stroke and heart damage during development.

Low birth-weight
During the later months of pregnancy, Crack Cocaine abuse can trigger preterm labor (labor that occurs before 37 weeks of pregnancy). Crack is a powerful stimulant of the central nervous system. It suppresses the mother's appetite hindering the growth of the fetus. Crack Cocaine exposed babies are more likely to be born with low birthweight (less than 5.5 lb/2.5 kg) compared to unexposed babies. Compared to normal-weight babies, low birth weight babies are 20 times more likely to die in their first month.

Increases life long disabilities
Crack Cocaine exposed babies face an increased risk of lifelong disabilities such as mental retardation and cerebral palsy (lack of oxygen to the brain). Scientists are now finding that exposure to Crack during fetal development may lead to deficits in some aspects of cognitive performance, attention to tasks and information-processing.

Smaller heads leads to smaller brain
Many studies suggest that Crack exposed babies are more prone to birth defects. Crack Cocaine slows fetal growth, and the exposed infants tend to be born with smaller heads compared to unexposed ones. It also results in reduced fetal length and deformations in the heart and lungs.

Heart defects
Many researches have stated that babies exposed to Crack are at increased risk of birth defects, which include deformities in the heart. Crack causes an unborn baby to have a stroke or a heart attack. Cocaine abuse by mothers during pregnancy is linked with abnormalities in the development of the heart both before and after birth.

Irreversible brain damage
Crack Cocaine's worst damage to the fetus is its effect on the brain. It causes the brains of both the mother and the fetus to experience the typical surge of dopamine. Since the fetal brain is still in the process of development, this can result in serious psychological addiction, attention deficit disorders, lack of cognitive abilities and developmental problems. Crack's effects on the fetus result in seizures or cerebral palsy.

A pregnant woman needs to lead a healthy life as a new life will be dependent on her. She should take adequate nourishing food and get plenty of rest. It is also important for her to avoid anything that might harm her or her baby. Therefore, an expectant mother should abstain from using Crack that could be toxic to her baby.

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Know About the Dangerous Effects of Crack Cocaine on Unborn Fetus (Drugteststrips)

Cocaine is known as one of the most dangerous illicit drugs of abuse throughout the world. According to NSDUH (National Survey on drug Use and Health) 2009, there were about 1.6 million Cocaine users in America. 'Crack' Cocaine is more potent and powerful form of Cocaine. It increases the effects of the drug on the user and is significantly more dangerous than regular Cocaine abuse. An increasing number of people are getting addicted to Crack Cocaine due to its highly addictive nature. Around 94,000 people initiated Crack Cocaine in 2009.

Crack releases a chemical called dopamine from the brain into the body causing the abuser to experience a burst of euphoria. As Crack has large psychological addiction potential, some expectant mothers continue to abuse Crack throughout their pregnancy.

Babies born to mothers who abused Crack Cocaine are predicted to suffer from severe, irreversible damage, which includes reduced intelligence and social skills. Though many people argue that it is a gross exaggeration, some researches are now finding that exposure to Cocaine during fetal development may lead to subtle, yet significant, deficits in some children.

When a pregnant woman abuses crack, it quickly enters her bloodstream and rushes to all parts of her body including to her developing baby. Thus, Crack abuse by mother during pregnancy exposes the baby to dangerous toxins. Mothers abusing Crack, while pregnant are putting their unborn children in terrible danger. The effects of Crack Cocaine are just now beginning to be understood, especially on the unborn fetus. Some of the dangerous effects associated with Crack Cocaine on the unborn fetus include:

Threat on fetus/unborn baby
Crack Cocaine abuse by expecting mothers during pregnancy can affect both the pregnant woman and her unborn baby. It may increase the risk of miscarriage during the early months of pregnancy. It may lead to poor fetal growth, low birth weight, increased risk of birth defects, physical malformations, risk of stroke and heart damage during development.

Low birth-weight
During the later months of pregnancy, Crack Cocaine abuse can trigger preterm labor (labor that occurs before 37 weeks of pregnancy). Crack is a powerful stimulant of the central nervous system. It suppresses the mother's appetite hindering the growth of the fetus. Crack Cocaine exposed babies are more likely to be born with low birthweight (less than 5.5 lb/2.5 kg) compared to unexposed babies. Compared to normal-weight babies, low birth weight babies are 20 times more likely to die in their first month.

Increases life long disabilities
Crack Cocaine exposed babies face an increased risk of lifelong disabilities such as mental retardation and cerebral palsy (lack of oxygen to the brain). Scientists are now finding that exposure to Crack during fetal development may lead to deficits in some aspects of cognitive performance, attention to tasks and information-processing.

Smaller heads leads to smaller brain
Many studies suggest that Crack exposed babies are more prone to birth defects. Crack Cocaine slows fetal growth, and the exposed infants tend to be born with smaller heads compared to unexposed ones. It also results in reduced fetal length and deformations in the heart and lungs.

Heart defects
Many researches have stated that babies exposed to Crack are at increased risk of birth defects, which include deformities in the heart. Crack causes an unborn baby to have a stroke or a heart attack. Cocaine abuse by mothers during pregnancy is linked with abnormalities in the development of the heart both before and after birth.

Irreversible brain damage
Crack Cocaine's worst damage to the fetus is its effect on the brain. It causes the brains of both the mother and the fetus to experience the typical surge of dopamine. Since the fetal brain is still in the process of development, this can result in serious psychological addiction, attention deficit disorders, lack of cognitive abilities and developmental problems. Crack's effects on the fetus result in seizures or cerebral palsy.

A pregnant woman needs to lead a healthy life as a new life will be dependent on her. She should take adequate nourishing food and get plenty of rest. It is also important for her to avoid anything that might harm her or her baby. Therefore, an expectant mother should abstain from using Crack that could be toxic to her baby.

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Dangerous Effects of Smoking on Human Body (Drugteststrips)

Tobacco is considered as the greatest cause of preventable deaths in the United States and throughout the world. According to the American Heart Association and the National Health Interview Survey of 2008, 24.8 million men and 21.1 million women in the United States are smokers. Tobacco smoking causes many diseases affecting major organs of the body including heart, brain, and lungs.

Effects
Nicotine is the most active and important chemical component that causes dangerous effects in human body. It is a major risk factor for heart attacks; lung and mouth cancers and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Here, we will discuss about some of the dangerous effects of smoking on human body.

Oral cancer:
It was revealed by the National Institutes of Health that a variety of cancers including cancers of oral cavity, esophagus, larynx, and lungs are caused by cigar smoking. It was observed that around 90% of the patients with oral cancer are smokers. Laryngeal cancer is caused about 20 to 30 times more in smokers than non-smokers. Smoking causes inflammation around the teeth which is termed as periodontitis. Adherent white plaques and patches occur on the membranes of oral cavity and is called as leukoplakia.

Effect on heart rate and blood pressure:
Increase in rate of heartbeat and a sharp rise in blood pressure are the immediate effects of smoking on heart and blood circulation. The heart rate increases by about 30 times during the first 10 minutes of smoking. Nicotine causes the blood vessels to get narrowed resulting in rise of blood pressure. The oxygen carrying capacity of the blood is decreased by carbon monoxide which increases heart rate. Long term effects of smoking include increase in levels of fibrinogen and cholesterol in blood increasing risk of heart attacks. Coronary heart disease (CHD), Peripheral vascular disease (PVD), aneurysm, artherosclerosis, and others are caused by the heart and circulation attacks.

Effect on lungs:
More than 80% lung cancer cases are accounted by tobacco. Inability of cilia to remove the tar content of cigarette smoke leads to lung and laryngeal cancer. Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is caused by smoking and is characterized by shortness of breath; persistent cough with sputum; and damage to lungs including emphysema and chronic bronchitis.

Effect on liver:
Numerous toxins are present in the cigarettes that lead to chronic inflammation and scarring of liver. This may increase the risk of diseases such as liver cancer, liver fibrosis, and Hepatitis B and C. Chemicals such as N-Nitrosodiethylamine, N-Nitrosopyrrolidine, and arsenic present in cigarettes are responsible for cause of liver tumors. The ability of liver to detoxify dangerous substances gets diminished by smoking.

Effect on brain dysfunction:
Nicotine reaches the brain within 10 seconds after inhalation. Carotid artery is the main artery that supplies blood to the brain. Fatty substances are built up in the carotid artery due to cigarette smoking. This decreases the supply of blood to the brain cells and results in stroke called as cerebral thrombosis. The risk of this stroke in smokers is about 1.5 times to that of non-smokers. Thickening and clotting of blood in brain may also be caused due to smoking.

Effect on digestive system:
Harmful effects of smoking can be seen on all parts of the digestive system. The decrease in strength of lower esophageal valve allows the acids of stomach to reflux into esophagus. This situation is termed as heartburn. The movement of bile salts from intestine to stomach is also promoted by smoking. Smoking increases the rate of formation of peptic ulcers.

Effect of skin and hair:
Collagen, a protein in skin, keeps the skin elastic. As nicotine affects collagen, elasticity of the skin is reduced. The tiny capillaries which nourish the skin are also constricted by nicotine, leading to formation of wrinkles. Healing process also gets affected by smoking and longer time is taken to heal a wound. The immune system is suppressed by the nicotine which leads to increase in susceptibility of viral infections of skin.

Premature thinning and graying of hair is seen in smokers. The chances of people becoming bald are twice in smokers than in non-smokers. Premature graying of hair is also 3 to 6 times common in smokers.

Effect on bone and muscle:
Healing of fractures is delayed by smoking. Blood flow to all tissues is restricted by nicotine. Mostly it is restricted in newly forming tissues, which are involved in bone repair. The chemicals of tobacco are responsible for inhibition of development of new muscle and bone tissue cells. The risk of osteoporosis is increased by smoking. Significantly lower bone densities are seen among women smokers and are more likely to suffer fractures. The risk of osteoporosis among women is 50% more in smokers than non-smokers.

Effect on respiratory system:
Entry of chemicals of tobacco into mouth and trachea causes irritation and chemical burns. It causes sore throat and pain. Cancer causing properties of certain chemicals may cause burns on trachea resulting in throat cancer. Many fatal diseases are caused by smoking including cancers of mouth, nasopharynx, larynx and lung. Increased risk of asthma, cough, bronchitis and pneumonia are seen in children who are exposed to passive smoking.

Psychological effects:
The feeling of euphoria and calmness are considered as the root cause for addiction to cigarettes. Nicotine triggers the release of dopamine in brain giving pleasure reaction. The psychological effects of smoking are dependent on the physical effect of nicotine on brain. When a person quits smoking, the psychological desire for cigarettes can last for many years, whereas the physical desire can be overcome within 2 weeks.

Smoking causes many dangerous effects on human body. American Cancer Society estimated that 168,000 Americans died of cancer due to tobacco smoking in 2007. Yearly smoking causes 1 in 5 deaths in America. Hence, it is necessary to take serious steps for eradication of smoking habits. Many educational programs have to be conducted to make people aware of the harmful effects of smoking on human body.

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Dangerous Effects of Smoking on Human Body (Drugteststrips)

Tobacco is considered as the greatest cause of preventable deaths in the United States and throughout the world. According to the American Heart Association and the National Health Interview Survey of 2008, 24.8 million men and 21.1 million women in the United States are smokers. Tobacco smoking causes many diseases affecting major organs of the body including heart, brain, and lungs.

Effects
Nicotine is the most active and important chemical component that causes dangerous effects in human body. It is a major risk factor for heart attacks; lung and mouth cancers and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Here, we will discuss about some of the dangerous effects of smoking on human body.

Oral cancer:
It was revealed by the National Institutes of Health that a variety of cancers including cancers of oral cavity, esophagus, larynx, and lungs are caused by cigar smoking. It was observed that around 90% of the patients with oral cancer are smokers. Laryngeal cancer is caused about 20 to 30 times more in smokers than non-smokers. Smoking causes inflammation around the teeth which is termed as periodontitis. Adherent white plaques and patches occur on the membranes of oral cavity and is called as leukoplakia.

Effect on heart rate and blood pressure:
Increase in rate of heartbeat and a sharp rise in blood pressure are the immediate effects of smoking on heart and blood circulation. The heart rate increases by about 30 times during the first 10 minutes of smoking. Nicotine causes the blood vessels to get narrowed resulting in rise of blood pressure. The oxygen carrying capacity of the blood is decreased by carbon monoxide which increases heart rate. Long term effects of smoking include increase in levels of fibrinogen and cholesterol in blood increasing risk of heart attacks. Coronary heart disease (CHD), Peripheral vascular disease (PVD), aneurysm, artherosclerosis, and others are caused by the heart and circulation attacks.

Effect on lungs:
More than 80% lung cancer cases are accounted by tobacco. Inability of cilia to remove the tar content of cigarette smoke leads to lung and laryngeal cancer. Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is caused by smoking and is characterized by shortness of breath; persistent cough with sputum; and damage to lungs including emphysema and chronic bronchitis.

Effect on liver:
Numerous toxins are present in the cigarettes that lead to chronic inflammation and scarring of liver. This may increase the risk of diseases such as liver cancer, liver fibrosis, and Hepatitis B and C. Chemicals such as N-Nitrosodiethylamine, N-Nitrosopyrrolidine, and arsenic present in cigarettes are responsible for cause of liver tumors. The ability of liver to detoxify dangerous substances gets diminished by smoking.

Effect on brain dysfunction:
Nicotine reaches the brain within 10 seconds after inhalation. Carotid artery is the main artery that supplies blood to the brain. Fatty substances are built up in the carotid artery due to cigarette smoking. This decreases the supply of blood to the brain cells and results in stroke called as cerebral thrombosis. The risk of this stroke in smokers is about 1.5 times to that of non-smokers. Thickening and clotting of blood in brain may also be caused due to smoking.

Effect on digestive system:
Harmful effects of smoking can be seen on all parts of the digestive system. The decrease in strength of lower esophageal valve allows the acids of stomach to reflux into esophagus. This situation is termed as heartburn. The movement of bile salts from intestine to stomach is also promoted by smoking. Smoking increases the rate of formation of peptic ulcers.

Effect of skin and hair:
Collagen, a protein in skin, keeps the skin elastic. As nicotine affects collagen, elasticity of the skin is reduced. The tiny capillaries which nourish the skin are also constricted by nicotine, leading to formation of wrinkles. Healing process also gets affected by smoking and longer time is taken to heal a wound. The immune system is suppressed by the nicotine which leads to increase in susceptibility of viral infections of skin.

Premature thinning and graying of hair is seen in smokers. The chances of people becoming bald are twice in smokers than in non-smokers. Premature graying of hair is also 3 to 6 times common in smokers.

Effect on bone and muscle:
Healing of fractures is delayed by smoking. Blood flow to all tissues is restricted by nicotine. Mostly it is restricted in newly forming tissues, which are involved in bone repair. The chemicals of tobacco are responsible for inhibition of development of new muscle and bone tissue cells. The risk of osteoporosis is increased by smoking. Significantly lower bone densities are seen among women smokers and are more likely to suffer fractures. The risk of osteoporosis among women is 50% more in smokers than non-smokers.

Effect on respiratory system:
Entry of chemicals of tobacco into mouth and trachea causes irritation and chemical burns. It causes sore throat and pain. Cancer causing properties of certain chemicals may cause burns on trachea resulting in throat cancer. Many fatal diseases are caused by smoking including cancers of mouth, nasopharynx, larynx and lung. Increased risk of asthma, cough, bronchitis and pneumonia are seen in children who are exposed to passive smoking.

Psychological effects:
The feeling of euphoria and calmness are considered as the root cause for addiction to cigarettes. Nicotine triggers the release of dopamine in brain giving pleasure reaction. The psychological effects of smoking are dependent on the physical effect of nicotine on brain. When a person quits smoking, the psychological desire for cigarettes can last for many years, whereas the physical desire can be overcome within 2 weeks.

Smoking causes many dangerous effects on human body. American Cancer Society estimated that 168,000 Americans died of cancer due to tobacco smoking in 2007. Yearly smoking causes 1 in 5 deaths in America. Hence, it is necessary to take serious steps for eradication of smoking habits. Many educational programs have to be conducted to make people aware of the harmful effects of smoking on human body.

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Know About the Dangerous Effects of Crack Cocaine on Unborn Fetus (Drugteststrips)

Cocaine is known as one of the most dangerous illicit drugs of abuse throughout the world. According to NSDUH (National Survey on drug Use and Health) 2009, there were about 1.6 million Cocaine users in America. 'Crack' Cocaine is more potent and powerful form of Cocaine. It increases the effects of the drug on the user and is significantly more dangerous than regular Cocaine abuse. An increasing number of people are getting addicted to Crack Cocaine due to its highly addictive nature. Around 94,000 people initiated Crack Cocaine in 2009.

Crack releases a chemical called dopamine from the brain into the body causing the abuser to experience a burst of euphoria. As Crack has large psychological addiction potential, some expectant mothers continue to abuse Crack throughout their pregnancy.

Babies born to mothers who abused Crack Cocaine are predicted to suffer from severe, irreversible damage, which includes reduced intelligence and social skills. Though many people argue that it is a gross exaggeration, some researches are now finding that exposure to Cocaine during fetal development may lead to subtle, yet significant, deficits in some children.

When a pregnant woman abuses crack, it quickly enters her bloodstream and rushes to all parts of her body including to her developing baby. Thus, Crack abuse by mother during pregnancy exposes the baby to dangerous toxins. Mothers abusing Crack, while pregnant are putting their unborn children in terrible danger. The effects of Crack Cocaine are just now beginning to be understood, especially on the unborn fetus. Some of the dangerous effects associated with Crack Cocaine on the unborn fetus include:

Threat on fetus/unborn baby
Crack Cocaine abuse by expecting mothers during pregnancy can affect both the pregnant woman and her unborn baby. It may increase the risk of miscarriage during the early months of pregnancy. It may lead to poor fetal growth, low birth weight, increased risk of birth defects, physical malformations, risk of stroke and heart damage during development.

Low birth-weight
During the later months of pregnancy, Crack Cocaine abuse can trigger preterm labor (labor that occurs before 37 weeks of pregnancy). Crack is a powerful stimulant of the central nervous system. It suppresses the mother's appetite hindering the growth of the fetus. Crack Cocaine exposed babies are more likely to be born with low birthweight (less than 5.5 lb/2.5 kg) compared to unexposed babies. Compared to normal-weight babies, low birth weight babies are 20 times more likely to die in their first month.

Increases life long disabilities
Crack Cocaine exposed babies face an increased risk of lifelong disabilities such as mental retardation and cerebral palsy (lack of oxygen to the brain). Scientists are now finding that exposure to Crack during fetal development may lead to deficits in some aspects of cognitive performance, attention to tasks and information-processing.

Smaller heads leads to smaller brain
Many studies suggest that Crack exposed babies are more prone to birth defects. Crack Cocaine slows fetal growth, and the exposed infants tend to be born with smaller heads compared to unexposed ones. It also results in reduced fetal length and deformations in the heart and lungs.

Heart defects
Many researches have stated that babies exposed to Crack are at increased risk of birth defects, which include deformities in the heart. Crack causes an unborn baby to have a stroke or a heart attack. Cocaine abuse by mothers during pregnancy is linked with abnormalities in the development of the heart both before and after birth.

Irreversible brain damage
Crack Cocaine's worst damage to the fetus is its effect on the brain. It causes the brains of both the mother and the fetus to experience the typical surge of dopamine. Since the fetal brain is still in the process of development, this can result in serious psychological addiction, attention deficit disorders, lack of cognitive abilities and developmental problems. Crack's effects on the fetus result in seizures or cerebral palsy.

A pregnant woman needs to lead a healthy life as a new life will be dependent on her. She should take adequate nourishing food and get plenty of rest. It is also important for her to avoid anything that might harm her or her baby. Therefore, an expectant mother should abstain from using Crack that could be toxic to her baby.

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