Substance abuse during pregnancy can have a negative effect on the health and well-being of not only the fetus, but also the mother. The harmful effects of medications, alcohol, and illegal drugs on a fetus can be devastating and have significant consequences for their use. Sometimes the effects can be addressed and treated, other times the result is a lifelong challenge. During the prenatal period, it is important for new mothers to be informed about different types of abuse, how they can affect the fetus, and adverse conditions their baby may face before and after birth. Most women are unaware of the risks associated with taking prescription drugs during pregnancy. The fear is usually that of alcohol or drug use, but prescription medications are rarely mentioned. Prescription medicines can actually be quite harmful to the fetus during pregnancy. Over-the-counter and pharmaceutical products, as well as medications prescribed by a doctor before pregnancy, may not always indicate potential dangers. It is important to check with a doctor whether the products are safe for the baby and the mother. “The U.S. Food and Drug Administration evaluates both over-the-counter medications and medications your doctor may prescribe. The FDA system classifies drugs as follows: Categories A through D provide specific instructions on whether a specific drug is safe during pregnancy or not. Drugs are distinguished by whether the benefits outweigh the risks. Category X includes drugs that have been studied and shown to cause birth defects and should never be taken during pregnancy. (Berger, n.d.). Taking vitamins, drinking caffeine, and taking other herbal supplements can… halfway… livery, low birth weight, growth defects, and most importantly, drug withdrawal. Marijuana and cigarette smoking can lead to early miscarriages, low birth weight and other health problems, including asthma. All illegal drugs will affect the healthy development of the child in future years. A child may suffer from withdrawal strains, exhibit developmental delays, as well as behavioral and learning difficulties. In conclusion, the harmful effects of medications, alcohol and illicit drugs can be very dangerous to the health and development of the fetus during pregnancy. It is important to educate new mothers about the adverse effects associated with the use of these substances. With the right advice and information provided, we can continue to keep newborns safe in the womb and give them the chance for a healthy, pain-free future.