Can Past Hard Drug Abuse Damage the Ova (Egg Cells) in a Woman and Cause Mental Retardation or Birth Defects?

Question by pizza_party9: Can past hard drug abuse damage the ova (egg cells) in a woman and cause mental retardation or birth defects?
Can the already developed ova that are in a woman’s body from birth be damaged from years of hard drug use, specifically opiate, marijuana and cocaine abuse? I am curious to know if the child of a former heroin addict is at risk of being born with any birth defects both physical and mental. The mother has been free from drugs for six years. I want to know if ova can be altered while dormant in the ovaries and lead to problems years later if the egg is fertilized. Thank you.

Best answer:

Answer by Eman
If she’s free from drugs the baby should be fine….

The real danger is drug use within the pregnancy.

Answer by ?American Proud?
Studies have shown that drug use prior to pregnancy does not effect the baby at all. Its drug/alcohol use during pregnancy that causes problems.