Alcohol, smoking, caffeine and drugs can all affect the health of a pregnant woman and the fetus. Drinking can cause birth defects, mental retardation, and low birth weight. This includes beer and wine as well as hard liquor such as rum or gin. Smoking can lead to a higher risk of miscarriage, premature birth and low birth weight, as well as more problems at and after birth. Children who grow up around smokers are sick more often than children of non-smokers.
Most people know that street drugs like cocaine can seriously harm a fetus.
But many people don't know that prescription drugs and many non-prescription medications can also affect the fetus. Some women who are pregnant know they don't want to have a baby. They may choose not to have an abortion or may be unable to get one. For these women, giving the baby up for adoption may be the best choice. In some areas, there are special Children's Aid Societies for Catholic, Jewish and Native Canadians, and Americans.