Drugs and Medications during Pregnancy

Drugs such as marijuana, heroin, crack/cocaine, LSD, and other street drugs are not safe to use when you are pregnant. They could harm both you and your baby.

Babies born to mothers who take drugs may:

• Be born too soon and too small. 
• Have medical problems. 
• Go through drug withdrawal. 
• Have problems learning.

What you can do:

• Do not use street drugs during pregnancy. 
• Talk to your health care provider and ask about programs to help you quit. It is important to let your health care provider know if you are taking any medications or herbal products during your pregnancy. 
• Prescribed medications, over-the-counter medications and natural health products such as some herbal teas can affect your unborn baby.

Some products that are unsafe during pregnancy can be taken safely while breastfeeding.

It is always important to let your health care provider know that you are breastfeeding. Your health care provider will then consider different medication options for you.