A woman should talk to her doctor, midwife or pharmacist before taking any drug whether it is a prescription drug, over-the-counter drug, herbal preparation, supplement or street drug. There are many drugs that are safe to use during pregnancy and not every drug poses a risk to your baby. However some drugs do pose a risk therefore it is important to talk to someone so that you understand the benefits and risks. The effects are different for each drug as some drugs can easily go across the placenta to the baby or can affect the blood flow from the mother to the baby. Some drugs can hurt your baby by causing premature birth, birth defects, and other health risks.
If you are pregnant and have questions about using prescription drugs, over-the- counter drugs or street drugs you can find more information by following the links above to the Motherisk website, Canada’s leading experts on drug, alcohol and chemical exposures in pregnancy and during breastfeeding.
You can also make a confidential call to the Motherisk Alcohol and Substance Use Helpline for information about the fetal effects of alcohol, nicotine and drugs such as marijuana, cocaine, and ecstasy at 1-877-327-4636.
For more information on healthy pregnancies, and prenatal health resources and supports in Simcoe Muskoka, please contact your health care provider or speak to a public health nurse through Your Health Connection at 705-721-7520 or 1-877-721-7520.
