Unsafe habits to stay away from when you’re pregnant

When you’re pregnant, you want to keep yourself and your baby safe. Here are things to stay away from.

• Unsafe movements when you’re pregnant
• Smoking during pregnancy
• Beer, wine or drink during pregnancy
• What is Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS)?
• Drug use during pregnancy

Common drug risks

Unsafe movements when you’re pregnant

• Do not clean litter boxes
  Cat poop can have a bad germ called toxoplasma. Ask someone else to do this job.
  
  
• Do not lift heavy things
  Lifting heavy things can hurt your body and may start labor too early. If it feels heavy, ask for help.

• Stay away from strong cleaners
  Do not breathe in strong cleaners, paint smells or bug sprays. If you must use them, wear gloves and open windows.

• Do not use hot tubs or saunas
  Very hot water or hot rooms can make your body too hot. This can hurt your baby.

• Avoid activities where you could fall
  Do not do things like skiing, horseback riding or contact sports:

Smoking when you’re pregnant

Smoking includes cigarettes, cigars and vaping.
Smoking cuts down the air your baby gets.

Smoking can lead to:

• Early loss of the baby
• Baby born too early
• Baby born too small
• SIDS (a rare sleep danger for babies)
• Ear or lung sickness
• Learning issues later

Quitting helps right away.

Smoke from other people is also not safe.

Alcohol when you’re pregnant

There is no safe amount of alcohol when you’re pregnant.
This includes wine, beer and liquor.

Alcohol can cause:

• Early loss of the baby
• Early birth
• Baby born too small
• SIDS
• Heart and brain growth problems

What is Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS)?

FAS can happen when a baby is around alcohol in the womb. It can cause:

• Trouble learning
• Trouble talking or walking
• Trouble in school
• Trouble getting along with others
• Vision or hearing problems
• Smaller head or face‑shape changes

It is never too late to stop drinking

Quitting at any time helps your baby.

If you need help, talk to your doctor or a support program.

Drug use when you’re pregnant

Some drugs can reach your baby.
This includes:

• Illegal drugs
• Drugs from a doctor
• Drugs you buy at a store

Always ask your doctor before taking any drug, vitamin or supplement.

Drugs can cause:

• Early loss of the baby
• Early birth
• Baby born too small
• Birth problems
• SIDS
• Long‑term learning or behavior needs

Common drug risks

Opioids (heroin, fentanyl or some pain pills):
These drugs can cause Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS), which means the baby may have:

• Shaking
• Trouble eating
• Crying a lot
• Needing special care

Cocaine and meth:

These drugs can hurt the heart and brain.
Babies may be born too early or too small.

Marijuana (weed):

Weed can lead to low birth weight and trouble focusing or learning.

Medicines from a doctor and store‑bought drugs:
Some are safe. Some are not.
Ask your doctor before taking any of them.
Your doctor can tell you what is safe.

If you need help

If you are using drugs and you are pregnant or want to get pregnant, talk to your doctor right away.
Help is available, and stopping now can help your baby

Resources

Help for quitting smoking: 1-800-QUIT-NOW: 15 Years of Helping People Quit | Smoking and Tobacco Use | CDC