Caffeine No one knows for sure if caffeine can harm the baby. But some scientists and doctors say too much caffeine can cause miscarriages, stillbirths and babies that are born too small. Caffeine is found in coffee, black tea, cola drinks, chocolate bars and some medicines. There are many kinds of prescription drugs, such as sleeping pills, tranquillizers, anti-depressants, antibiotics and allergy medications. Prescriptions that were safe before pregnancy may cause harm to the fetus.
Some prescription drugs have harmful effects when their use is abruptly stopped.
Marijuana Pregnant women who use marijuana may deliver babies that are premature, have low birth weight, and are at an increased risk of having birth defects. As the children grow up, they may have some learning and behavior problems. Other street drugs Street drugs such as cocaine and heroin may cause miscarriage, stillbirth and premature birth. Prolonged use of such drugs can create dependencies and may cause symptoms of withdrawal in newborn babies.