Substance Use and Pregnancy

Pregnant women may use substances (e.g., tobacco, alcohol, cannabis, other drugs) during pregnancy for many different reasons. Substance use during pregnancy can result in a variety of effects on the mother’s health and on the health of her baby, both during and after pregnancy. The types of effects experienced by the mother and baby depend on many factors, including the type of substance(s) used and how much/how often they are used. Healthcare providers can assist women to find the resources they need to stop or reduce their substance use to improve their own health and the health of their babies.