Pregnancy is a time of profound transformation—not only for a woman’s body, but for the little life growing within it. While many people understand the importance of good nutrition and regular prenatal care, there’s still confusion and misinformation around substance use during pregnancy, particularly when it comes to alcohol, marijuana, and opioid use and/or abuse. Here’s what you need to know about how these substances can impact pregnancy and fetal development.
1. Alcohol Use During Pregnancy
No amount of alcohol has been proven safe during pregnancy.
How Alcohol Affects the Baby:
- Alcohol crosses the placenta and reaches the developing baby.
- The baby’s liver is too immature to break down alcohol, leading to higher blood alcohol concentrations for longer periods.
Potential Consequences:
- Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASDs). This can cause the following:
- Facial abnormalities
- Growth problems
- Cognitive delays
- Behavioral issues
- Increased risk of miscarriage, stillbirth, and premature birth.
More information can be found on CDC’s website.
Avoiding alcohol entirely during pregnancy is the safest option.
2. Marijuana Use During Pregnancy
As marijuana becomes more socially accepted and legally available, more pregnant women are turning to it for issues like nausea, anxiety, and morning sickness. While the full effects of marijuana usage during pregnancy are still being studied, there are many known effects and consequences.
How Marijuana Affects the Baby:
- The active ingredient, THC, crosses the placenta and may interfere with brain development.
- THC can also pass into breast milk, affecting infants after birth.
Potential Consequences:
- Low birth weight
- Developmental delays
- Impaired attention, learning, and behavior in childhood
- Possible increased risk of stillbirth
Until more conclusive evidence is available, major health organizations like the CDC and ACOG recommend avoiding marijuana entirely during pregnancy.
3. Opioid Use During Pregnancy
Opioids include prescription painkillers (like oxycodone and hydrocodone), heroin, and synthetic opioids like fentanyl. Whether used legally or illicitly, opioids pose serious risks during pregnancy.
How Opioids Affect the Baby:
- Opioids can pass through the placenta, affecting the baby’s development.
- Long-term use may cause Neonatal Opioid Withdrawal Syndrome (NOWS), where newborns experience withdrawal symptoms after birth.
Potential Consequences:
- Miscarriage or stillbirth
- Preterm labor
- Birth defects
- Low birth weight
- Seizures or feeding problems in newborns
- Long-term developmental and behavioral issues
More information can be found on the CDC’s website.
If you are pregnant and using opioids—prescribed or otherwise—do not stop suddenly without medical help. Talk to your doctor about treatment options like Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT), which is safer than quitting abruptly.