Alcohol and Other Drugs in Pregnancy

I'm pregnant... Can I take this?

Alcohol

If you drink alcohol when pregnant, your baby may have fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD). Your child may have physical abnormalities and/or life-long learning and behaviour problems. There is no known safe limit for drinking alcohol during pregnancy. No alcohol is best.

Caffeine

(found in coffee, tea, chocolate, colas, etc.)
Caffeine is a stimulant and high levels can cause problems if you are pregnant. Take anything with caffeine in moderation.

Prescription Medications

Many prescription drugs are not safe for pregnant women. If your doctor has prescribed a drug for you, ask about the safety of taking it while pregnant.

Over-the-Counter Drugs

(antacids, laxatives, cold medications, anti-nausea drugs, pain medications, etc.)
Some over-the-counter medications are safe, but some are harmful to your developing baby. Check with a health care professional before taking any over-the-counter drug while pregnant.

Tobacco

Babies born to mothers who smoke tend to have lower birth weights and the incidence of stillbirths and sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) is higher.

Household Chemicals

(cleaning products, paints, fertilizers, etc.)
Breathing in fumes can harm your developing baby. Read labels and follow product instructions. Use such products with caution and in a well-ventilated area.

Street Drugs

(cannabis, cocaine, crystal meth., heroin, etc.)
Taking drugs such as cannabis, cocaine, crystal meth. or heroin increases your risk of miscarriage, stillbirth, and premature delivery. It's safest not to use street drugs at all when pregnant. 

Medications

Before taking any prescribed or over-the-counter medication, check with a doctor, public health nurse, or your local pharmacist to make sure it's safe.

Alcohol, Other Drugs, and Pregnancy

Most drugs (including alcohol) that you take during your pregnancy will pass from your bloodstream into your developing baby. Many substances can be harmful to you and your baby. Alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs affect each pregnant women and her baby differently. The impact that a substance may have on your developing baby depends on what you take, when you take it during your pregnancy, how much you take, and how often you take it. It also depends on whether or not you use one or several drugs at the same time, how your body reacts to drugs, and what else is going on in your life.

Alcohol

Nobody knows exactly how much alcohol it takes to harm a fetus, but we do know that drinking alcohol can harm your developing baby at any time during your pregnancy. It's safest not to drink at all when pregnant.

Street Drugs

Taking drugs such as cannabis, cocaine, crystal meth. or heroin increases your risk of miscarriage, stillbirth and premature delivery. It's safest not to use street drugs at all when pregnant.

Medications

Before taking any prescribed or over-the-counter medication, check with a doctor, public health nurse, or your local pharmacist to make sure it's safe.

It's Never Too Late

If you have been drinking, smoking, or using other drugs in your pregnancy, it is never too late to quit or cut down. The sooner you quit or cut down during your pregnancy, the less risk there will be to your developing baby. If you are having trouble controlling your drinking, smoking, or use of other drugs, seek help.

Getting Help

If you are concerned about your use of alcohol, tobacco, or other drugs, there is help available. The Alberta Alcohol and Drug Abuse Commission (AADAC) has programs that are confidential, professional, and caring. AADAC's network of services includes

• priority access to treatment services for pregnant women
• individual assessment and counselling services in communities across Alberta community outreach assessment, counselling, and aftercare support for pregnant women
• detoxification centres
• outpatient and residential treatment programs, including specialized women's programming
• methadone maintenance program for pregnant women addicted to opioids
• smoking cessation programs

Drinking alcohol, smoking, or taking other drugs when pregnant can harm your developing baby. For you and your baby to stay healthy, talk to a doctor, pharmacist, or public health nurse before taking any substance during your pregnancy.

For more information, contact your local AADAC office, or call 1-866-33AADAC.