Smoking, Alcohol, and Drugs
By taking care of your health during pregnancy, you're also nurturing the new life inside of you.
Quit smoking, if you smoke, because smoking during pregnancy passes nicotine and cancer-causing drugs to your baby. Smoke also keeps your baby from getting needed nourishment while in your uterus, and raises the risk of fetal death and premature birth (a baby born too early with a low birth weight).
Quit drinking alcohol if you drink it. The exact amount of alcohol needed to cause problems in your baby is not known, but drinking every day and drinking large amounts of alcohol occasionally both have been shown to have harmful effects on your baby.
Tell your doctor if you are taking any medications or using illegal drugs. Some medicines can be harmful to your baby's development. Only take medicines prescribed or approved by your doctor.
You should never take illegal drugs like marijuana, cocaine, heroin, speed (amphetamines), barbiturates, LSD, and others. Talk with your doctor right away if you need help quitting smoking, drinking, or a drug habit. You can also talk with a member of your faith community, a counselor, or a trusted friend.
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