Rave drug ‘stunts baby development’

Taking the dance drug Ecstasy in pregnancy may cause serious long-term harm to babies in the womb, new research suggests.

The British study found evidence of damage to the unborn from Ecstasy for the first time. At four months old, affected infants showed poor co-ordination and lower attainment on scores of normal development, such as holding their heads in balance. Others had delayed hand-to-eye co-ordination, were slower to turn from back to side and less able to sit without support.

The researchers fear other effects could emerge later including impaired memory, learning capacity and emotional development. Professor Andy Parrott, from the University of Swansea, said: “The psychomotor and related psychological problems identified are very worrying.

“Ecstasy can deplete the level of serotonin – an important neurotransmitter for motor control.”

The findings are published in Neurotoxicology and Teratology.