Council on Alcoholism and Addictions
of the Finger Lakes
ALCOHOL: Children whose mothers drink frequently or heavily during pregnancy,
may be born with Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS), with characteristics of small head
and body size, abnormal facial characteristics, behavioral problems, mental retardation,
learning disabilities, and a failure to thrive pattern.
Even light or moderate drinking during pregnancy can cause alcohol related birth
defects (ARBD), with an unusual number of physical abnormalities and behavioral problems.
MARIJUANA: Recent studies show that pregnant women who smoke marijuana are
frequently at high risk of stillbirth, miscarriage, low birth-weight babies, and fetal
abnormalities - especially of the nervous system.
NICOTINE: Women who smoke during pregnancy have a higher percentage of
stillborn babies, miscarriages, premature deliveries, and low birth weight babies
that are at greater risk of dying soon after birth. Nicotine use has also been implicated
in SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome).
COCAINE: Infants born to mothers who have been using cocaine during pregnancy can
actually suffer prenatal strokes before birth, have a higher incidence of kidney and
breathing disorders, are at risk for Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, or may
experience painful withdrawal from cocaine addiction after birth.
NARCOTICS: Infants born to women addicted to heroin or methadone are more likely
to be stillborn, have a low birth-weight, or go through withdrawal.
EVERY PREGNANT WOMAN WANTS A HEALTHY AND NORMAL BABY.
BE INFORMED AND CONCERNED WITH THE KINDS AND AMOUNTS
OF DRUGS YOU TAKE!
(Including Alcohol, Street Drugs, and Drugs available at the pharmacy or grocery store.)