Learning About Substance Use During and After Pregnancy
Substance use means drinking alcohol, using drugs, smoking, or vaping. It can also include the misuse of prescription or over-the-counter medicines. It's safest not to use substances if you are planning to become pregnant, are pregnant, or are breastfeeding. Using them can cause problems during and after pregnancy.
What problems can substance use cause?
Problems caused by substance use are not the same for every pregnancy.
How substance use affects pregnancy depends on:
- What you use.
- How often you use.
- How much you use.
- When during the pregnancy you use.
Problems caused by substance use can include:
- Pregnancy loss and early labour.
- Low birth weight in an infant.
- Problems with how an infant's heart, lungs, and brain work.
- Low energy or fussiness in a breastfeeding infant.
- Lifelong learning, emotional, or physical problems for a child.
How is it treated?
Where can you learn more?
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Current as of: November 7, 2023
Author: Healthwise Staff
Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.