Expert: Crystal - 7/17/2009

Question
First of all, I'd like to say I have never abused any illegal substance.  My question is about parents who abuse a substance with a child in the womb.  Before I was born, my mother did a lot of meth.  In fact, that is how she induced labor and gave birth to me a month before I was due.  What I'd like to know is what effects this may have had and may still have on me, physically.  I'm currently 22 years old, and I have no visual or intellectual problems relating to this (No birth defects or retardation).  However, I do show some constant signs that are commonly related to meth abuse (source: various online articles) such as clammy skin, dialated pupils, shakiness, anxiety, and skin abscesses that don't heal well.  Is there a possibility that the symptoms of a meth addict are part of me because my mother did them while I was still in the womb, or are all these symptoms more likely related to other things?  If they are possibly related to meth, are there any special precautions I should take to ensure a long and healthy life?

Answer
J,

I am not sure I can answer this question accurately because I am sure why you are experiencing these issues. I don't think they are because of your mom's use but I do encourage you to go to the doctor for a complete physical and blood work. Anxiety can cause the clamy skin, the dialated pupils and the shakiness but I am not a physician and I can't tell you for sure if that is what is causing it. Maybe having bloodwork will help. Have them check your thyroid as well and see if that is the issue because that too cause some of these symptoms.  
I wish you well and hope you find the answers you are looking for.