Substance Abuse and Pregnancy
What happens when pregnant women take drugs or drink alcohol?
Not drinking alcohol during pregnancy is the #1 preventable cause of mental retardation
– NO amount of alcohol is safe during pregnancy.
Alcohol & drugs are carried in the mother’s bloodstream and are passed to the unborn baby.
Children exposed to drugs & alcohol during their mother’s pregnancy are more at risk for developmental problems.
Alcohol during pregnancy can cause...
- Fetal Alcohol Syndrome
- Low birth weight
- Small head
- Learning & behavior problems
Marijuana during pregnancy can cause...
- Higher risk for miscarriage or stillbirth
- Preterm birth
Amphetamines during pregnancy can cause...
- Preterm labor
- High blood pressure in the mother
- Intrauterine growth restriction (baby does not grow properly)
Cocaine during pregnancy can cause...
- Preterm labor
- Miscarriage
- Small head
- Congenital problems
- Intrauterine growth restriction
Talk to your healthcare provider and get help with alcohol and drugs.
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