Resources For General Public

 

Protect your growing baby and stay healthy.  Drinking alcohol, using tobacco products or street drugs during pregnancy can cause serious problems, including miscarriage, birth defects, and premature birth. These substance can cause serious problems for your infant, including neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS), fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD), severe asthma, and more.

Taking certain drugs while pregnant can cause a baby to experience withdraw symptoms also known as NAS.  This can cause the infant to shake uncontrollably along with excessive crying, poor feeding, breathing problems, trouble sleeping, and possibly needing to stay in the newborn intensive care unit (NICU).

Drinking alcohol during pregnancy can increase the chances of a baby having FASD. These effects can include physical and mental damage that can cause problems with learning and social skills.

The risk for sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) increases for a baby whose mother smokes during and after pregnancy. Smoking during pregnancy can also cause the infant to have asthma problems, less amount of oxygen, and an increase risk of developing lung problems.

There is no safe amount, no safe type and no safe time to use substances during pregnancy.

The Department of Health and Senior Services provides a toll-free information and referral telephone line for maternal, child, and family health services called TEL-LINK. Call 800-TEL-LINK or (800-835-5465) to speak to an operator. TEL-LINK can provide referrals for the Tobacco Quitline, Substance Abuse Treatment, Domestic Violence Help, Alcohol or Drug Programs, and More.

 

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