Illegal drugs and pregnancy

A note on language: Everybody talks about their body differently, and language matters. In this article, you’ll see the words ‘pregnant people’ and ‘women’ to describe people having babies.

By using inclusive terms, we hope to help everyone taking the leap into parenting to be better informed. 

Can I use drugs while pregnant or breastfeeding?

Pregnancy is a time of great change. If you’re pregnant, breastfeeding or thinking about having a baby, it’s important to think about the types of drugs you and your partner are taking.

Taking any drugs, including medications, while pregnant or breastfeeding should be done with the support of a trusted health professional.

Generally, it’s recommended and safest to avoid taking illegal drugs, as most drugs will travel from your blood to the baby.^1,2

Taking an illegal drug can be dangerous because it can contain other substances you don’t know about, or be a completely different drug to what you’re told.^3-5

Impacts of drugs on pregnancy and childbirth

The impacts of most illegal drugs are either not known, or harmful for the baby and pregnant person.

Some drugs can also impact your fertility, making it more difficult to get pregnant.^6-12

Depending on the drug, taking drugs during pregnancy may lead to:

• miscarriage, premature (early) birth and stillbirth
• less oxygen and blood flow to the baby
• the baby’s heart beating too fast
• eating less, which means the baby gets fewer nutrients
• you and the baby being more likely to get sick.^1,8-10,12-14

These impacts will also vary depending on the drug’s strength, how much and how often it’s taken and whether other drugs are taken around the same time.¹⁵

If I’m pregnant and using drugs, should I just stop?

When you find out you’re pregnant, you may feel that you need to stop using drugs straight away. With some drugs, this can be very dangerous or even life threatening for you and your unborn baby.¹

If you’re dependent on drugs, it’s important to get medical support to reduce or stop.

Your doctor or alcohol and other drug service can work with your pregnancy care providers to help you withdraw or reduce use safely.

Withdrawal in the newborn baby

Infant withdrawal, also known as Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS), happens when a newborn baby goes through withdrawal symptoms from drugs that were used during pregnancy.

These drugs can include opioids, depressants, stimulants, inhalants and some antidepressants.¹⁶

If a baby is born at risk of NAS, they’ll be observed in hospital for about five days.¹⁶

Midwives will take note of the baby’s sleeping, feeding, skin colour, muscle tone and cry. If they suspect withdrawal, some of the common signs that they will look out for are:

• irritability
• increased crying
• poor feeding
• muscle stiffness
• tremors.¹⁶

If the baby shows signs of NAS, they receive treatment, which can vary from extra feeding and cuddles through to medications, to make sure they are comfortable and feeding.¹⁶

You can read more about NAS in the Royal Women’s Hospital fact sheet.

Drugs and breastfeeding

If you can breastfeed, there are many benefits for your baby. It’s the best food for a baby up until they’re ready to start eating solid food, which is usually at around six months old.^17,18

Avoiding illegal drugs while breastfeeding is recommended because some of the drug can pass through breastmilk to your baby.¹

If you’re using drugs, the best thing to do is tell a trusted medical professional and ask for advice on how to safely feed your baby.

Illegal drugs, having a baby and the law

Using illegal drugs doesn’t always mean child protection services will get involved. But, they may step in if they believe the fetus or newborn is at risk of harm or neglect.¹⁹

If you want to learn more about child protection and mandatory reporting, you can contact legal aid in your state or territory.

Need some support?

• If you have a partner, they can support you by stopping or reducing their drug use.
• If you’re worried about your drug use, you can contact the National Drug and Alcohol Hotline 24/7 for confidential information about treatment and support on 1800 250 015.
• Some states offer specialised alcohol and other drug services for pregnant people.
• Relevant services and resources that support new parents, include:
• Pregnancy, birth and baby
• Raising children network
• Australian breastfeeding association

Want more information?

Visit The Women’s for pregnancy fact sheets on specific drugs, including amphetamines, benzodiazepines and cannabis.

Check out the Pregnancy - medication, drugs and alcohol page on the Better Health Channel’s website.

This article has been reviewed by Women’s Alcohol & Drug Service (WADS).