The Risks of Drug Use in Pregnancy
Drugs like cocaine and marijuana can cause a lot of harm to a pregnancy. Many people of childbearing age in the United States use some form of drugs.
Risks to the pregnant person
If you use drugs during pregnancy, you raise your risk for:
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Anemia.
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Blood and heart infections.
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Skin infections.
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Hepatitis.
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Sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
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Other infectious diseases.
Risks to the baby
Almost every drug goes from your bloodstream through the placenta to the baby. Drugs that cause you to be addicted can also cause the baby to be addicted.
Marijuana
In some states, marijuana is legal. But if you are pregnant or breastfeeding you should still not use it. When used during pregnancy, it may be linked to cognitive and behavioral problems in the baby.
Cocaine
Use of this drug during pregnancy can lead to:
The baby is more likely to have:
Dextroamphetamine and methamphetamine
These can cause:
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Miscarriage.
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Preterm birth.
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Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDs).
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Signs of withdrawal in the newborn, such as shaking and trouble sleeping and feeding.
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Later problems in the baby with tremors and muscle tone.
Heroin and other opiates
This includes methadone. They can cause:
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Major withdrawal in the baby, with some symptoms lasting for weeks.
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Apnea (stopping breathing).
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Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDs).
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Feeding problems.
Talking with your doctor
If you use drugs and need help to quit, talk with your doctor. If you stop using drugs during the first trimester, you increase your chances of having a healthy baby.
Online Medical Reviewer:
Heather M Trevino BSN RNC
Online Medical Reviewer:
Janet Campbell RN BSN
Online Medical Reviewer:
Robyn Zercher FNP
Date Last Reviewed:
9/1/2025
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