A friend of mine who’s pregnant sometimes smokes a little pot to relax. But is it safe for her to use marijuana or any other recreational drug?
- Tammy

No. Pregnant women should not use recreational drugs of any kind at any time. Babies whose mothers used drugs during pregnancy could be born addicted to those drugs themselves. Pregnant drug users also may be placing their unborn babies at risk for premature birth, poor growth, birth defects, and behavior and learning problems.

Let your friend know that it's important to inform her health care provider about her drug use during the pregnancy. Or a health clinic such as Planned Parenthood can recommend health care providers, at little or no cost, who can help your friend quit her habit and have a healthier pregnancy.

Reviewed by: Elana Pearl Ben-Joseph, MD
Date reviewed: October 2012