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.
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|
|
Risk To mother |
Risk To baby |
|
COMMON |
ALCOHOL |
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 |
TRANQUILIZERS
|
risk of early labor confusion |
dependent at birth difficulty breathing possible cleft palate |
|
|
ANTIBIOTIC |
upset stomach nausea |
discoloration of teeth |
|
ILLEGAL |
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 |