Using alcohol, tobacco, marijuana, or other substances during pregnancy can harm the developing fetus, even when the risks are not always obvious, according to a West Virginia University psychiatrist.
Dr. Aliana Abascal of the Department of Behavioral Medicine and Psychiatry at WVU School of Medicine stated: “Many substances can harm a fetus, including substances many falsely perceive to be harmless, like marijuana.”
She added in a news release: “Nicotine, not just in the form of cigarettes, but also vaping nicotine, can impact fetal development. So can alcohol, methamphetamines and heroin.”
Abascal shared the warning ahead of International Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders Awareness Day on September 9.
Prevalence Statistics
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) notes that:
- Nearly 14% of U.S. women report drinking alcohol while pregnant
- Around 8% report using illicit substances
- About 7% report using tobacco, though rates are higher in West Virginia at roughly 25%
Research also shows that U.S. overdose deaths among pregnant and recently pregnant women tripled between 2018 and 2021, Abascal said.
Health Consequences
Abascal explained: “Substance use during pregnancy can lead to miscarriage or fetal death, birth defects, problems with fetal growth or early delivery, health concerns for the mother, immediate health concerns for the infant after birth.”
It also raises the “risk of long-term neurobehavioral conditions like intellectual disability,” Abascal said.
She added that babies exposed to alcohol, tobacco, or illicit drugs in the womb may experience withdrawal symptoms.
Substance-Specific Risks
While many substances share overlapping risks, Abascal noted some key differences:
- Nicotine and cocaine can increase the risk of miscarriage and, in cocaine’s case, fetal death
- Alcohol, nicotine, cocaine, and opioids can affect fetal growth
- Alcohol can damage the central nervous system, increasing the risk of fetal alcohol syndrome, a permanent condition
Treatment and Support
Abascal said that early medical and behavioral interventions are critical for infants and children who were exposed to substances during pregnancy.
Pediatric care is essential for evaluating potential health impacts, and some children may require mental health services for developmental or behavioral challenges.
Quitting substances during pregnancy can be difficult, Abascal added, especially when mental health conditions are involved.
She noted: “Around 50% of women seeking treatment for substance use disorders also meet criteria for post-traumatic stress disorder, and these women are at high risk of experiencing physical and sexual abuse.”
Abascal added: “Treatment may include medications that target the substance use and sometimes contain components of the substance of concern. For example, nicotine replacement therapy can be used in pregnancy, and while this treatment may impact fetal development, the risks are less than those from smoking cigarettes.”
This reminder underscores the importance of seeking medical support for substance use during pregnancy and highlights that while quitting can be challenging, harm reduction approaches and treatment options are available to protect both maternal and fetal health.
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