HealthInfo West Coast-Te Tai Poutini

Illegal drugs in pregnancy

Illegal drugs can cause miscarriages, premature birth, birth defects, developmental problems, and behavioural problems. If you use illegal drugs while you're pregnant, your baby might go through withdrawal after birth. The safest thing for you and your baby is to avoid taking any illegal drugs while you're pregnant.

  HealthInfo recommends the following pages

• Perinatal Anxiety and Depression Aotearoa – Cannabis

  This page has information about using cannabis (marijuana) while pregnant or breastfeeding.

• Organization of Teratology Information Specialists (OTIS) factsheets:
  • Cocaine and pregnancy
  • Marijuana and pregnancy
  • Methamphetamine/dextroamphetamine and pregnancy

  Although these factsheets are aimed at American readers, the drugs affect babies the same way all over the world.

Written by HealthInfo clinical advisers. Endorsed by midwife liaison, Canterbury DHB. Last reviewed June 2018.

Page reference: 124734

Review key: HIPRC-41255