Many substances which are commonly used outside of pregnancy may cause harm to your baby – both during pregnancy and while breastfeeding.  Please review the information below to make the safest choices for you and your baby.

 

To learn more about substance use during pregnancy, please visit pregnancyinfo.ca:

www.pregnancyinfo.ca/your-pregnancy/healthy-pregnancy/substance-use-in-pregnancy/

 

If you have questions about drug and alcohol use in pregnancy, or would like help and support in cutting down, please reach out to the Umbrellas program through the Mental Health & Addiction Services of Simcoe County.

In Collingwood and Wasaga Beach: 705-444-2558

In Barrie, Alliston and surrounding areas: 705-726-5033

In Orillia and surrounding areas: 705-325-4499

In Midland and surrounding areas: 705-526-0393

 

Alcohol

Alcohol use during pregnancy can lead to Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder, as well as increased risk of miscarriage, low birth weight and preterm delivery.  There is no safe amount of alcohol to consume while you are pregnant, and therefore we recommend to abstain from alcohol throughout your entire pregnancy.

 

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Smoking

Smoking during pregnancy leads to decreased oxygen levels for your baby.  This results in an increased risk of miscarriage, low birth weight babies, preterm labour and SIDS.  We strongly recommend you quit smoking before or during pregnancy, or reduce your amount of smoking as much as possible.

 

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If you need help quitting, please contact your family doctor, call the Government of Canada helpline at 1-866-366-3667 or visit www.smokershelpline.ca/ from the Canadian Cancer Society

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Marijuana

Despite cannabis use now being legal in Ontario, there is good evidence to show that it can cause harm to your baby both during pregnancy and while breastfeeding.  Cannabis use during pregnancy has been associated with low birth weight, preterm labour and has a long term effect on brain development and hyperactive behaviour.

 

PregnancyInfo.ca information on cannabis use

www.pregnancyinfo.ca/learn-more

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