Cocaine/Ecstacy cause birth defects?11wks prego

Like any other young couple my b/f now DH have used cocaine. I must be fully honest my DH been a user of cocaine 2-3yrs prior to us meeting & I used it a few times before then. We married past Dec. When we got together (3/10) & expressed we were both coke users we then started using together. Him every few dys to every day me every so often. He has recently cut down drastically & intuitionlly I stopped Dec. I have used twice last Dec. begining & mid Dec. while he continuted, New Years we did ecstacy, pill & 1/2 each. Turns out I got pregnant early Dec & found out end Jan 11. I have not used since mentioned. My concern now is my blood wrk showed fetus positive for down syndrome lst wk. Could this be caused of cocaine? Ecstacy? Simply genetically?

Pls dont judge, we are both successful, educated, stable & loving couple like I said we we're young & enjoying life while where young.

[mamaof4410]

NO ONE IS PERFECT! and we all make mistakes. Im sure the use of these drugs can cause some type of birth defects especially during the first trimester because it is when all of the fetal organs are being formed so it could be genetics but because you were using im not sure. One of my sister in laws was addicted to drugs bad with her first pregnancy and did not want help. She did cocaine daily and kept going into preterm labor because of it. My nephew is fine today. but that does not mean it CANT happen because it can. I would get some counseling to make sure you dont relapse and get further testing done to see what your options are.  good luck

[Angebelle]

No judgements here, though I feel for you and wish you weren't experiencing this. It's too hard to say with facts, in your case, whether or not the use of cocaine, ecstacy, or other controlled substances have caused the down syndrome in your fetus, or if it was related solely to genetics.  However, I will say that the groundwork for the nervous system starts very early in pregnancy at about 5-6 weeks, followed by the development of the brain.  Given the timing of the usage, it may have played some role. ((Hugs!!)) My heart goes out to you.

[JoyRenee]

This is a judgment-free zone so please feel free to continue to ask for support.

Down Syndrome is a genetic issue so the drug usage may have played a role in affecting egg/sperm quality and messing with genetics. I am NO expert but that is what I would assume. You could ask your doctor if drug use contributes to genetic problems.

I know this is very hard but also remember that the blood test only tells you the likelihood of baby having Down Syndrome. It is not a definitive yes or no to the genetic issue. You would need more invasive tests to determine for sure if baby truly does have Down Syndrome. And if baby does have Down Syndrome it will be alright. Many Down people live very healthy, vibrant lives and I personally love people with Down!

[JoyRenee]

http://www.marchofdimes.com/pregnancy/alcohol_illicitdrug.html

This is a good resource to read up on and speak frankly with your doctor about. There are many other resources that I have found by simply searching for "cocaine and pregnancy". Drug abuse can and does cause serious birth defects.

[sadlyashamed]

From the bottom of my heart thank you all for your insights, thoughts & obviously disagreements however yourself nor anyone els is to put myself or others down, only your opinion. I openly confessed to doing drugs for the best advice, I did this in means of getting others insights, experiences, suggestions & support to this topic not to be put down or ridiculed. I in no means ment to affend any one. Frankly all we know some one will see this blog yrs from now & could help them in some way. Clearly I did state every so often & STOPPED !!!. As I research futher drugs may affect birth defects however no proven studies prove to cause DS, this is genetic and unpreventable. It happends in the reproductive stage by having an additional chromosone (21) whether drugs affects this is argumental, for those of you who would like to argue please do so w/some one els. My focus is on my future health, babys well being & husband. For those who supported in a positive way, thank you once again <3  If my baby does end up w/DS it will not be loved or cared for any less then a healthy child! It is a true blessing!!

[mamaof4410]

I honestly didnt mean to upset you but there was a lady that did the same thing to me and i took it very personal we all come here for positive support. And you seem to have all your priorities lined up, which is awesome. No matter what the outcome you will have a beautiful baby w/ or w/ out this disability.