Research shows that use of tobacco, alcohol, or illicit drugs or misuse of prescription drugs by pregnant women can have severe health consequences for infants. This is because many substances pass easily through the placenta, so substances that a pregnant woman takes also reach the fetus.91 Recent research shows that smoking tobacco or marijuana, taking prescription pain relievers, or using illegal drugs during pregnancy is associated with double or even triple the risk of stillbirth.92 Estimates suggest that about 5 percent of pregnant women use one or more addictive substances.93
Risks of Stillbirth from Substance Use in Pregnancy
- Tobacco use—1.8 to 2.8 times greater risk of stillbirth, with the highest risk found among the heaviest smokers
- Marijuana use—2.3 times greater risk of stillbirth
- Evidence of any stimulant, marijuana, or prescription pain reliever use—2.2 times greater risk of stillbirth
- Passive exposure to tobacco—2.1 times greater risk of stillbirth
