Alcohol can cause mental retardation, problems with growth, and abnormal facial appearance. Prescription medicines can also cause problems. Some prescription acne medicines can cause birth defects. So can some medicines that are used to treat seizures. The antibiotic tetracycline can cause changes in the baby's teeth and bones if taken late in pregnancy.
Tranquilizers can be addictive to the baby and the mother.
If you take any prescription drugs and know you are pregnant, talk with your healthcare provider about the effect the drugs may have on your baby. Aspirin used near the end of pregnancy can cause longer labors, more bleeding during delivery, and an increased chance of stillbirth. Illegal drugs, like cocaine, amphetamines, and marijuana, cause severe problems when used while pregnant. Physical and learning disorders can occur in babies exposed to cocaine before birth. Cocaine disturbs the normal sleep cycles of babies.