For Health Professionals
Recreational drugs
Key things to know
Recreational and non-prescribed drugs can have significant impacts on fertility and pregnancy outcomes. Substances such as marijuana, ecstasy, cocaine, heroin and opioids are associated with harm to a baby’s heart and brain development and can increase the risk of miscarriage, stillbirth, and preterm birth.
In addition, injecting drugs increases the risk of infections such as hepatitis C and HIV, which can be transmitted to the baby during pregnancy or birth. Supporting individuals to access treatment and harm reduction services before pregnancy can help optimise health outcomes for both parents and future children.
There are no safe limits to these drugs in the preconception phase, and it is recommended both women and men avoid using them entirely when trying to conceive.
Resources
Access these resources to support conversations:
- Alcohol and Drug Support – Free call 24/7; 1800 177 833. The website also has information and an option to chat with a counsellor online.
- I am sober – sobriety tracking and support app to help recover from addiction to alcohol or other substances. This can also be used for addictions to caffeine, smoking and vaping and other addictions.
- National Alcohol and other drug hotline.
- Dib – Your Drug Info Bot – a friendly, knowledgeable chatbot for consumers to talk to via message for anonymous, non-judgemental and trustworthy information about alcohol and other drugs.
- Smart Recovery Australia – weekly, free and facilitated online or in-person support meetings for addictive behaviours such as alcohol, drugs, gambling, food, cigarettes and more.
- Tommys – provides trusted, evidence-based information on how alcohol and drug use can affect fertility, conception, and a healthy pregnancy.