How do street drugs affect pregnancy?

The effects of all the different types of street (illicit) drugs on pregnancy are not fully known. However, it is safe to assume that if you use street drugs, it is likely to pose a risk to the unborn child.

A couple of examples of what is known include:

• If you take or inject heroin when you are pregnant it increases the risk of:
  • Miscarriage.
  • Slowing the growth of the baby, leading to a low birthweight.
  • Premature labour, leading to the baby being premature ('prem').
  • Stillbirth.
  • The baby having withdrawal symptoms after the birth.
• Using cocaine when you are pregnant is particularly hazardous. It increases the risk of:
  • Serious life-threatening bleeding from the uterus in late pregnancy (placental abruption).
  • Miscarriage.
  • Slowing the growth of the baby, leading to a low birthweight.
  • Premature labour leading to the baby being 'prem'.
  • Stillbirth.
  • Possibly, abnormalities of the baby when it is born.

But the above are just two examples. There are many street drugs and it is beyond the scope of this leaflet to discuss each drug in turn. But, you can contact FRANK (details below) for information about individual drugs.

What should I do if I am using street drugs?

• If you intend to become pregnant you should aim to stop taking street drugs. It is best to postpone the pregnancy until you are off drugs.
• If you have an unplanned pregnancy you should aim to stop the drugs as soon as possible.

Some people can stop drugs without any help, but many people will require help. If you cannot come off drugs easily, see your doctor for help. Your doctor will be able to refer you to a local community drug team for help.

Most community drug teams can:

• Offer treatment plans. For example, one option for people who use heroin is to take substitute therapy with methadone in place of injecting heroin. This option is safer than injecting heroin during pregnancy.
• Provide counselling and information.
• Provide harm-reduction activities such as needle exchange schemes.

Further information

FRANK - The National Drugs Helpline

Tel: 0800 77 66 00
Web: www.talktofrank.com
Free confidential drugs information and advice. Website has an A-Z on drugs.