Drinking alcohol or taking any type of legal or street drugs during the early weeks of pregnancy can badly hurt your unborn baby. That’s when the brain and other organs are forming.

If you drink alcohol, your unborn baby does, too. Alcohol abuse during pregnancy is a leading cause of mental retardation. If you are considering a pregnancy, it’s best to stop drinking alcohol before you conceive.

Cocaine, crack, heroin, amphetamines and other street drugs can badly hurt your baby if you use them while you are pregnant. Your baby could suffer lifelong health problems. Get help to stop using drugs before you become pregnant and stay clean.

There is no safe level of alcohol during pregnancy. Women who drink heavily or binge drink may have babies with serious alcohol-related birth problems.

If you take any medicine for a medical condition, talk with your doctor before you become pregnant. Some prescription drugs and over-the-counter medicines can hurt your unborn baby.