Substances to Avoid during Pregnancy
All drugs consumed by an expectant mother are carried to the fetus to some degree. Because many
of them are known to be potentially harmful to an unborn child, and others may be risky,
self-medicating should be completely avoided. This means that any drug, prescription or non-prescription,
should be taken only under a doctor's supervision as soon as pregnancy seems likely; the chances
of a drug's damaging a fetus are greatest in the first 10 weeks.
Among the currently available prescription drugs that have been found to be potentially harmful to
the fetus are the steroidal hormones, estrogen and progestin (which were once used to prevent
miscarriages), and barbiturates, amphetamines and tranquilizers. Non-prescription drugs that may
cause problems in expectant mothers and/or their babies include aspirin and drugs containing iodine.
These drugs are contained in many over-the-counter products, including cold and cough remedies, sleeping
aids and medications that control nausea and vomiting. Many of these drugs also contain alcohol and
caffeine, substances that can create adverse effects when large amounts are consumed during pregnancy.
Alcohol has been linked to physical deformities, brain damage and growth problems among babies born
to women who drink as little as two alcoholic beverages a day. For this reason, the National Institute
on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism advises pregnant women to avoid alcohol completely.
The consumption of excessive quantities of caffeine, which is present in coffee, tea, cola and chocolate,
may be associated with increased risk to the fetus. It is wise, therefore, to limit its use during pregnancy.
Although studies of the effects of smoking during pregnancy have focused on only a few of the 4,000
substances contained in cigarette smoke, smoking has been clearly linked to low birth weights and increased
rates of infant death. Smoking also increases the risk of miscarriage and other complications. Women who
smoke should, therefore, seriously consider stopping or, at least, cutting down during pregnancy. Smoking
marijuana during pregnancy has not been extensively studied. The substance does, however, have proven effects
on a number of body systems and therefore may present risks to the fetus.
