Substances

Tobacco/Smoking

Women who are considering becoming pregnant should be aware of the dangers of smoking. Smoking can make it more difficult to become pregnant, and if you become pregnant and continue to smoke, the baby’s health could be permanently harmed.

In addition to affecting your pregnancy, smoking can contribute to serious health problems that include lung cancer, heart disease, stroke, and emphysema.

If you are thinking about quitting smoking, take your first step today by calling for local, free help  at 1-866-NEW-LUNG (1-866-639-5864). If you are not pregnant yet, you can get free nicotine patches and counseling to help you to be even more successful in quitting. You may also talk with your doctor or use the resources listed below.

Alcohol

If you are trying to get pregnant or may become pregnant, it’s important to know about the risks of drinking alcohol. Excessive alcohol intake can make it more difficult to become pregnant. If you become pregnant and you drink alcohol, your baby can have serious birth defects.

In addition to affecting your pregnancy and baby, excessive drinking can impair your ability to make good choices, which can put you and those around you in danger. Also, long term use will damage your liver and other parts of your body.

If you want help, contact your health care provider, OCLinks, or a resource below.

Drugs

Using marijuana, illegal drugs or misusing prescription drugs can make it hard or impossible to get pregnant. Drugs can also cause problems with pregnancy, including birth defects, preterm labor, and infant death.

If you want to become pregnant, it is important to stop using marijuana, illegal drugs and misusing prescription drugs now.

If you want help, contact your health care provider, OC Links, or a resource below.

Marijuana

Consuming cannabis (marijuana, weed, pot) can affect your health and is not recommended for women who plan to become pregnant soon.

Using cannabis can be risky, depending on how you use and what you do afterward.  If you are thinking about using, be safe.  Smoke from cannabis contains many of the same toxins and chemicals found in tobacco smoke and inhaling it can increase your risk of developing lung problems.  Young people who use cannabis regularly can harm their memory and ability to learn. There is also a greater risk for depression, anxiety, and schizophrenia.

If you plan to become pregnant soon, leading doctors’ organizations recommend that you do not use cannabis.  Research shows that if you use cannabis while you are pregnant, your baby may be born with a lower birth weight, which means the baby is more likely to have health problems, especially in the first year of life.

If you are thinking about becoming pregnant soon, discontinue use of cannabis. Talk to your doctor about any questions you may have about cannabis.

Source: California Department of Public Health.  Let’s Talk Cannabis – Pregnant and Breastfeeding Women English | Spanish