When someone is pregnant, everything that goes into their body has the potential to be passed on to the baby. This includes illegal drugs and other substances like alcohol and tobacco.

Drug use during pregnancy raises your risk of losing your baby and experiencing complications. It can cause the baby irreparable harm that may lead to chronic medical conditions, developmental problems, and birth defects.

If you or someone you know is struggling with substance use and may be pregnant, it’s important to understand exactly how pregnancy and addiction intersect. Below are eight common questions and answers about drug use during pregnancy.

What Happens If You’re Using During Pregnancy?

There are a lot of risks of using drugs while pregnant that could harm both the mother and baby. Recent research shows that using illegal drugs during pregnancy can double or triple a woman’s risk of stillbirth. They can also cause damage to the fetus and lead to abnormal development.

Additional risks of drug use during pregnancy include: 

• A reduced supply of oxygen and nutrients flowing to the baby, which can lead to injury or death
• Muscles being contracted more forcefully, which can lead to preterm labor and delivery
• Low birthweight
• Birth defects
• A higher risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS)
• Cognitive and behavioral problems
• Neonatal abstinence syndrome

The exact risks of using drugs while pregnant will depend on the type of substance being used, the stage of pregnancy during which it’s used, and the amount of drugs taken.

What Substances Should Be Avoided During Pregnancy?

People who are pregnant should avoid the following:

• Tobacco/nicotine
• Alcohol
• Marijuana 
• Illegal drugs like cocaine, opioids, and heroin
• Prescription medications that are being used for nonmedical reasons
• E-cigarettes and vaping

All of these substances have the potential to harm you or your baby, regardless of how far along you are in your pregnancy. 

Do Babies Go Through Drug Withdrawal?

When a person uses drugs during pregnancy, their baby can develop a condition called neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS). This occurs when the baby experiences withdrawal symptoms after birth because they’ve been exposed to drugs in the womb. 

NAS is most commonly associated with opioid use but can also be caused by alcohol and other illicit drugs. The condition has been on the rise over the last few years. It’s estimated that roughly 13% of cases reported to child welfare services are related to infant drug exposure.

Can You Start Taking Medications for Opioid Addiction During Pregnancy?

Medicines used to treat opioid use disorder – such as buprenorphine, naloxone, and methadone – are safe to use during pregnancy. They also work well in treating substance use. These medications are typically recommended during pregnancy when medication-assisted treatment is needed to support recovery.

How Does Withdrawal Affect Pregnancy?

Some substances can cause withdrawal symptoms if they’re stopped suddenly. Withdrawal symptoms may include insomnia, depression, cravings, and changes in appetite. While physical symptoms of withdrawal may last only a few days or a week, the cognitive effects – such as depression – can extend far beyond pregnancy. 

If you’re dependent on substances and may be pregnant, suddenly stopping can be dangerous for both you and your baby. You should always speak with a medical professional for advice on how to stop your drug use.

Will My Baby Be Taken Away From Me If I Admit to Using Drugs?

Using drugs during pregnancy doesn’t necessarily mean your child will be taken away from you. However, if a provider feels as though your drug use poses a risk to the baby’s health, they are required to file a report with child protective services.

Even if a report is made, that doesn’t mean your baby will be taken from you. This is especially true if you can prove that you’re actively working toward recovery by getting treatment.

Does Drug Use Impact Breastfeeding?

Substances that are used during pregnancy can be passed on to the baby through breastmilk. This could cause the baby to experience: 

• Seizures
• Vomiting
• Trouble feeding
• Trouble breathing
• Hypertension
• Irritability
• Tremors

People who have trouble stopping drug use and aren’t being treated are advised not to breastfeed.

Where Can I Get Help to Stop Using?

Stopping your use of drugs is the best way to ensure a safer pregnancy for both you and your baby. You can speak with your health care provider during your prenatal visits to learn more about local resources and your options. Providers are there to help you have a successful pregnancy, which includes creating the safest environment for your baby to grow.

You may also talk with a behavioral therapist or counselor to learn how to take better care of your mental health and cope with symptoms. If you need help connecting to care, you can contact the Never Alone program, which is a free resource to help those with addiction find care. Joining an online support group may also be helpful.

Get Free Help From Compassionate Addiction Recovery Consultants

Never Alone Recovery offers free services to help people with addiction find support and manage treatment logistics like insurance verification. We also host a weekly online support group for individuals who struggle with addiction and their spouses, family members, friends, and allies. 

Learn how to join our virtual meetings, or call our placement team for support at 866-788-8335.