"Recreational" drugs? Not during pregnancy

A glass of wine with dinner. The occasional toke of marijuana. Many adults indulge in legal and illegal drugs from time to time without seriously harming their own health.

But when you're pregnant, anything you eat, drink or smoke can affect the development of your baby. Exercising and eating well are good for baby, but the number one thing you can do for baby's health is to quit smoking if you smoke, and to quit alcohol and other drugs, even if just for the nine months that you're pregnant.

The type of birth defects caused by drugs depends on the stage of a baby's development, the type of drug, its dose and potency. Using drugs in the early part of pregnancy, when the main body systems are forming, can cause severe damage. Drug use in mid- to late pregnancy can affect brain growth. During late pregnancy, drugs can stunt the growth of your baby and may cause preterm labor.

If you need help quitting, there are trained experts for every level of intervention. Your doctor can help you find resources.

Alcohol: Don't give alcohol to minors. No amount of alcohol is safe for a fetus.
Cigarettes: Smoking poisons your baby. Smoking during pregnancy can cause serious health problems, even death, for an unborn baby.
Marijuana: The effects of marijuana use during pregnancy are not well known. Studies show that women who use marijuana as infrequently as once a month throughout pregnancy are more likely to gain weight, suffer from severe and chronic vomiting (which can interfere with prenatal nutrition), and have labor complications. Like cigarettes, smoking marijuana releases carbon monoxide that can prevent a baby from getting enough oxygen. Studies have also shown an association between regular use of marijuana, preterm delivery and low birth weight.
Cocaine: Use of cocaine during pregnancy may cause hypertension and placental abruption. Newborns sometimes suffer withdrawal symptoms (marked by constant crying or hyperactivity) that may last for weeks or months. Sometimes they also grow more slowly or may have brain injuries.
Heroin and other narcotics: Women who use heroin during pregnancy may have a preterm birth, a low birth weight baby, or a baby who is addicted. Some heroin babies die at birth or shortly thereafter. "Ts and blues" is the street name for a certain mixture of prescription narcotic drug and an over-the-counter antihistamine drug. It is often used as an inexpensive substitute for heroin. Babies who are exposed are more likely to grow slowly before birth and may have withdrawal symptoms after birth. If the drug is injected, the mother could contract HIV, hepatitis B and C, and other serious infections. In fact, HIV can be transferred to the infant and is becoming more prevalent among newborns.
PCP and LSD: Users of PCP (also known as angel dust) can have a smaller-than-average baby or one with poor movement control. LSD users may have a baby with birth defects.

What about prescription and over-the-counter drugs? Many are safe to take during pregnancy, but some can pose serious dangers to your baby. Before taking any kind of medicine while pregnant, even common cold or cough remedies or medications prescribed before pregnancy, talk with your health care provider. Anytime you seek advice from a doctor, dentist, pharmacist or other health professional while you are pregnant, always tell him or her that you are pregnant.

Date last reviewed: October 2002.

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