Benefits

The Perinatal Addictions Prevention Project can help women understand the risks of using drugs and alcohol while pregnant and can direct those in need to treatment services.

There are many risks to using alcohol and drugs while pregnant. From low birth weight to miscarriage to inter uterine strokes, both mother and baby are in danger. If you are pregnant and continue to use alcohol and drugs, it is important that you understand what's at risk. 

For drug usage risks, see our risk chart below.

 

 

Risk To mother

Risk To baby

COMMON
DRUGS

ALCOHOL
beer, wine, liquor,
wine coolers

miscarriage

early birth

low birth weight

physical deformities

sleeping problems

brain damage

 

TOBACCO

miscarriage

early birth

stillborn

low birth weight

sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS)

PRESCRIPTION
DRUGS

TRANQUILIZERS
Valium, Zanax,
Librium

 

risk of early labor

confusion

dependent at birth

difficulty breathing

possible cleft palate

 

ANTIBIOTIC
Tetracycline

upset stomach

nausea

discoloration of teeth

ILLEGAL
DRUGS

Marijuana

miscarriage

early birth

slow reaction time

low birth weight

tremors

 

Cocaine

increased heart rate

high blood pressure

early labor

miscarriage

heart attacks

low birth weight

stroke

trouble sleeping

increased risk for sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS)

 

Heroin

miscarriage

slow heart rate

increased risk for infections

early labor

addiction

stillborn

dependent at birth

tremors seizures

low birth weight

 

Speed

increased heart rate

high blood pressure

early birth

low birth weight

small brain