How do substances impact the pregnancy and the child?
Tobacco
Miscarriage, low birth weight, premature delivery, stillbirth, learning and behavior problems.
Marijuana
Potential links with low birth weight and stillbirth. Problems with attention, memory, and problem solving throughout development. Problems with aggressive behavior and increased rates of depression.
Cocaine
Premature delivery, low birth weight, neonatal abstinence syndrome.
Heroin and Rx Opioids
Miscarriage, low birth weight, neonatal abstinence syndrome.
Rx Sedatives
Some benzodiazepines are considered safe after the first trimester of pregnancy. Barbiturates can cause bleeding and malformation in newborns. Sleep medications may be safe during pregnancy, but more research is needed.
Alcohol
Fetal alcohol syndromes, developmental delays, difficulty with attention and memory, learning disabilities, organ abnormalities