{"id":42,"date":"2025-08-26T21:27:09","date_gmt":"2025-08-26T21:27:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.vdh.virginia.gov\/maternal-health\/?page_id=42"},"modified":"2025-10-28T15:28:28","modified_gmt":"2025-10-28T15:28:28","slug":"substance-use-during-pregnancy","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.vdh.virginia.gov\/maternal-health\/pregnancy-and-postpartum-resources\/substance-use-during-pregnancy\/","title":{"rendered":"Substance Use During Pregnancy"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Substance use means taking or using specific substances, including:<\/p>\n

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  • alcohol<\/li>\n
  • tobacco products<\/li>\n
  • illicit drugs (e.g., marijuana or hashish, cocaine, crack, heroin, hallucinogens, inhalants, or methamphetamine, as well as misuse of prescription psychotherapeutic drugs)<\/li>\n
  • inhalants<\/li>\n
  • other substances that can be consumed, inhaled, injected, or otherwise absorbed into the body with possible dependence and other detrimental effects<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

    Substance use, or taking drugs and drinking alcohol, is not recommended during a pregnancy or while breastfeeding. Substance use can have a wide range of harmful effects on a developing baby, especially on their brain. Substance use may cause a baby to go into withdrawal at birth. Other effects may only be seen as a child grows up and is learning to walk, talk, and learn in school. To have the healthiest pregnancy and baby possible, try to quit using substances. If you are unable to quit, reduce your use as much as possible. Getting prenatal care, even if you are unable to stop use, can still be one of the best things you can do for your baby\u2019s health. Talk to your healthcare provider about the ways to get support.<\/p>\n

    Substance use and addiction can be a life-long health issue for families. This section includes resources to help pregnant women and their families learn more about substance use.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>