Healthcare providers should approve any drugs a pregnant woman takes. Alcohol use increases risk of miscarriage. 33 Infants with FAS typically are low birth weight and show mental retardation. 33 Alcohol and substance use cessation programs can help pregnant women improve birth outcomes. 28 Tobacco cessation programs can help pregnant women improve birth outcomes.
Abuse is associated with miscarriage and low birth weight infants.
Shelters for abused women, counseling, legal-aid, and crisis hotlines can help pregnant women break the cycle of abuse.