Alcohol Use During Pregnancy

    

There is no known safe amount of alcohol use during pregnancy . All types of alcohol are equally harmful, including all wines and beer.  When a pregnant person drinks alcohol, the baby is exposed as well. Alcohol in the bloodstream passes to the baby through the umbilical cord. Drinking alcohol during pregnancy can cause miscarriage, stillbirth, and a range of lifelong physical, behavioral, and intellectual disabilities.  These disabilities are known as fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASDs). Children with FASDs might have the following characteristics and behaviours:
 
      ● Abnormal facial features, such as a smooth ridge between the nose and upper lip
      ● Sleep and sucking problems as a baby
      ● Small head size
      ● Shorter than average height
      ● Low body weight
      ● Poor coordination
      ● Hyperactive behaviour
      ● Difficulty with attention and memory
      ● Learning disabilities, intellectual disability, difficulty in school
      ● Speech and language delays
      ● Poor reasoning and judgement skills
      ● Vision or hearing problems
      ● Problems with heart, kidney, or bones

If you have concerns about alcohol use prior to or during pregnancy, discuss your concerns with your midwife or physician.
 
https://www.healthlinkbc.ca/healthlinkbc-files/pregnancy-alcohol-use


Cannabis Use in Pregnancy

With the legalization of cannabis in Canada, it is important to remember that “legal” does not necessarily mean safe. Any form of cannabis, whether it is smoked, vaped, or edible, may cause harm to your developing baby. There is no known safe amount of cannabis to use in pregnancy or breastfeeding. Please ask your midwife about alternative ways to manage nausea, anxiety, or pain.
 
https://www.pregnancyinfo.ca/learn-more/

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Drug Use And Pregnancy

Illegal or street drugs are harmful to a pregnant person and their baby. Street drugs include:
cocaine, ecstasy, methamphetamine and other club drugs, heroin, or prescription drugs that are abused.
 
Using street drugs before and/or during pregnancy can cause:

      ● Infertility
      ● Problems with the placenta
      ● Preterm labour
      ● Miscarriage or stillbirth
      ● Low birthweight
      ● Heart defects
      ● Increased risk of infection for baby
      ● Neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS), also known as withdrawal
      ● Learning and/or behavioral problems
      ● Slower than normal growth
      ● Increased risk of Sudden Infant Death syndrome (SIDs)
 
https://www.pregnancyinfo.ca/your-pregnancy/healthy-pregnancy/substance-use-in-pregnancy/


If you have concerns about drug use prior to or during pregnancy,
discuss your concerns with your midwife or physician.  

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