When a woman becomes pregnant, it is very important for her to lead a healthy life: to eat plenty of nourishing food, get plenty of rest, and exercise regularly. It is also important that she avoid anything that might harm her or her baby-to-be. It is especially important to give up alcohol, cigarettes, and drugs.
Partners for Healthy Babies can give you information on programs in your area that help stop substance abuse (alcohol, illegal drugs, smoking). Call our Helpline at 1-800-251-BABY (2229) for more information.
Which drugs are dangerous?
All illegal drugs, such as heroin and cocaine, pose dangers to a pregnant woman. Legal substances, such as alcohol and tobacco, are also dangerous, and even medical drugs, both prescription and over-the-counter, can be harmful. If you are taking prescription drugs tell your doctor when you find out you are pregnant. For your own health and the health of your baby-to-be, avoid all of them as much as possible, from the time you first plan to become pregnant or learn that you are pregnant.
Things you need to know about smoking, illegal drugs and alcohol:
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Smoking can cause you to lose your baby or have the baby too early (premature).
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Smoking can cause your baby to be born weighing too little.
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Smoking can put your baby at risk of SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome).
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Do not let people smoke around you while you are pregnant.
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If you drink alcohol, you might have a miscarriage or suffer liver problems.
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Drinking alcohol can cause your baby to be born premature or weigh too little.
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Drinking alcohol can cause your baby to have Fetal Alcohol Syndrome and be mentally retarded or have emotional and learning problems. Your baby is also more likely to die.
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Using illegal drugs like crack, cocaine, heroin and marijuana, or abusing prescription drugs can cause you to lose your baby or have a premature baby.
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Using illegal drugs could give you AIDS if you use an infected needle. AIDS can be passed on to your baby.
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Drug use can cause your baby to be born an addict.
