CHILDREN BY CHOICE ASSOCIATION INCORPORATED

Drugs and Medicines in Pregnancy

Some prescription drugs, alcohol, tobacco and other drugs (such as marijuana, ecstacy, cocaine and heroin) can all have serious, negative and long-term consequences for you and/or the developing foetus.

You may have an ongoing medical condition such as epilepsy, asthma or depression that requires drug treatment during pregnancy. It is very important to seek medical advice in these cases. Ideally, you will have a regular doctor who can monitor your condition and your pregnancy, and make you aware of any symptoms or side effects that could occur. 

The Therapeutic Goods Administration provides information on prescribing medicines in pregnancy.  Lots of different medicines and common substances may not be suitable for use during pregnancy and it's advisable to check with your doctor or health clinic.  Recent American research (Jan 2008) has concluded that an intake of caffeinated beverages of more than 200mg per day (eg. two cups of coffee) is associated with an increased risk of miscarriage. 

It is important to avoid drinking alcohol, smoking and drug taking during pregnancy, as all of these substances will cross the placenta to the developing foetus.  Within one day of quitting smoking, your blood's level of carbon monoxide and nicotine will drop dramatically.  A range of support services are available to assist you with general information or addiction issues, such as: 

Quitline - Telephone advice and assistance to smokers who want to kick the habit
Queensland Health ATODS - 24 Hour Drug and Alcohol Information Service
Drug Arm- Information and telephone counselling service for alcohol and other drugs
Mater Women's Hospital - CHAMP Clinic for pregnant women with substance abuse issues
St Luke's Nursing Services - AMEND - Assisting Mothers End the Need for Drugs