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Fetal Effects of Substance Use
| Drug category |
Impact on fetus |
| Alcohol
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Risk of baby born with Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) or other alcohol-related birth defects (ARBD). These may involve growth deficiencies, brain injury, facial anomalies, skeletal abnormalities, heart defects, vision and hearing problems and many other problems. There is a great deal of variability related to the timing of the alcohol use, the amount of alcohol used, use of more than one substance that can cause birth defects, and many other factors. The impact of FAS and other ARBDs are long term. Risk of neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS)* in newborns including seizures.
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| Tobacco |
Possible risk of premature birth and low birth weight, increased risk of crib death (SIDS), risk of more flu, colds, ear infections and breathing problems in children. Possible risk of later attention deficit and developmental delays.
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| Heroin, Opiates |
Possible risk of neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS). Possible later learning difficulties and altered response to pain.
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| Cannabis (marijuana) |
Possible risk of later attention deficit and developmental delays.
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| Cocaine and Crack |
Possible risk of miscarriage, premature delivery, stroke, birth defects related to the hands, kidneys and urinary system. Possible later learning and attention difficulties.
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| Over-the-counter drugs |
Some over-the-counter drugs such as pain killers, antihistamines, antinauseants, antacids, and diarrhea and constipation medication may have harmful effects. Some are safe. Consult a physician for more information.
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| Prescription medications |
Examples are sleeping pills, tranquilizers, anti-convulsants, antidepressants, antibiotics and allergy medications. Some may be harmful. Consult a physician for more information. |
| Solvents |
Risk of low birth weight, birth defects and possible later learning difficulties. More research is needed to understand the impact of solvents in isolation from other drug use. Some researchers have described �fetal solvent syndrome� with features similar to FAS. |
Maternal Effects of Drug use
| DRUG |
EFFECT ON MOTHER DURING PREGNANCY |
EFFECT ON BREAST FEEDING |
| Alcohol |
May be damaging to all parts of body. Risk of miscarriage, stillbirth and premature delivery. |
Less breast milk produced. Alters the taste of milk. Baby can be irritable and drowsy. Alcohol passes into baby�s body and developing brain, affecting growth and development.
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| Tobacco |
Risk of miscarriage or premature delivery and bleeding.
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Less milk is produced, so breast-feeding may be difficult. |
| Marijuana |
May affect memory and concentration, and result in respiratory problems. |
Drug is passed to breast milk. Less milk is produced, so breast-feeding may be difficult.
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| Cocaine and Crack
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Risk of miscarriage or premature birth. May cause weight loss, damage to heart and risk of strokes. Risk of HIV/AIDS with needle use.
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Baby shows signs of use, e.g. irritability, wakefulness, raised blood pressure. Failure to thrive.
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| OPIATES (e.g. Heroin, Methadone)
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Risk of miscarriage and stillbirth. Risk of complications during pregnancy and childbirth. Risk of medical problems such as anemia, cardiac disease, diabetes, pneumonia and hepatitis. Risk of HIV/AIDS with needle use.
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Baby may be drowsy. Failure to thrive. Breast feeding not advised.
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| Solvents
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May be damaging to all parts of the body. Causes disorientation and agitation. May cause severe breathing problems. Risk of miscarriage or premature birth.
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More research is needed. Will pass into breast milk.
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