Question: Do illegal drugs cause birth defects?
Answer: Women who use illegal drugs, or "street drugs," can have babies who are small, premature, or have other health problems, such as birth defects.
Women who use cocaine while pregnant are more likely to have babies with birth defects of the limbs, gut, kidneys, urinary system, and heart. Other drugs, such as marijuana and ecstasy, may also cause birth defects in babies.
Women should not use street drugs while they are pregnant. It is also important that women not use street drugs after they give birth because drugs can be passed through breast milk and can affect a baby's growth and development. Talk with your health care provider about ways to help you quit using street drugs before you get pregnant.
