Doctors issue warning after babies test positive for cocaine

Twin boys born with Hypospadias

Doctors have issued a stark warning after two babies with birth defects tested positive for cocaine. The Dublin maternity hospital revealed that the twin boys were born with Hypospadias. Hypospadias is a birth defect in boys where the opening of the urethra is not located at the tip of the penis. The doctors also discovered that the twins were suffering with breathing issues and were admitted to a neonatal unit for respiratory support. It is understood that the twins' father was acting energetic and "had a short attention span" in the delivery suite. The doctors were suspicious that he was under the influence and decided to test the newborns. Urine samples were taken and both boys had "tested positive for cocaine metabolites in their urine", according to the report. The twins are set to undergo surgery for hypospadias before their first birthday. The doctors published their findings in a new report titled 'Hypospadias and Cocaine Use in Pregnancy’ in the Irish Medical Journal. They have warned parents of the severe dangers of drug use in pregnancy. "Approximately 5-10% of women admit to illicit drug use during pregnancy while universal testing in high risk populations confirms cocaine use in 10-40%." Thankfully, the twin boys have been discharged to the care of their GP and are thriving.