Alcohol

There is no known safe level of drinking alcohol during pregnancy so it is best not to drink at all if you are planning to become pregnant or think you might be. Even one drink has been shown to effect the fetus. Drinking alcohol increases the risk of stillbirth, miscarriage, newborn death and fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS). Babies with FAS have heart defects, low birth weight, facial defects, learning problems and mental retardation.

Marijuana

Marijuana is never safe during pregnancy, and it can harm babies at any stage of development. Marijuana exposure has been associated with miscarriage, premature births, small babies at birth and increased jitteriness in newborns. Smoking marijuana can affect the amount of oxygen and nutrients the baby receives to grow. Marijuana use during pregnancy can have long-term effects on babies and children including trouble paying attention and learning to read.

Smoking

If you smoke, quit. Smoking can cause serious health issues for you and your baby. It increases the risk for miscarriage, pre-term labor, stillbirth, newborn death and babies born too small. Vaping is not a safe alternative to smoking even if no nicotine is present.

“Street” and prescribed drugs

Pregnant women who use drugs like cocaine, crack, heroin and methadone may have babies who are born addicted. Cocaine is one of the most harmful drugs to unborn babies, causing a miscarriage and potentially a pre-term birth, bleeding, fetal death and fetal strokes, which can lead to brain damage and death. Using amphetamines, or speed, during pregnancy has been shown to stunt the growth of the baby and cause strokes. See our MARC program for more information about our outpatient addiction care and counseling for expectant mothers with opiate addiction.

If you take a prescription drug, make sure to check with your physician to ensure it is safe to take during pregnancy and while nursing.