Drugs and pregnancy

In pregnancy, cannabis use can cause problems with the baby’s development and even stillbirth. In pregnant women, cocaine may cause:

• placental abruption
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• low birth weight
• premature birth (where the baby is born before they are fully formed) 
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• neonatal death (death around the time of birth).

Opiates such as methadone and heroin can also mean difficulty getting pregnant.

In pregnant women, heroin may also cause:

• placental abruption. 
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• miscarriage or stillbirth 
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• low birth weight
• premature birth (where the baby is born before they are fully formed) 
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• the baby to have to go through withdrawal from drugs after they are born.

Sometimes, babies are admitted to the Special Care Baby Unit if they need further withdrawal monitoring.