Is it safe to use alcohol, tobacco or other drugs during pregnancy?

No. Many serious health problems and birth defects can occur if a woman uses alcohol, tobacco and other drugs during pregnancy.  The U.S. Surgeon General and other healthcare professionals encourage women who are pregnant or trying to get pregnant, as well as those who are breast-feeding, to abstain from all types of alcohol and non prescribed drug use.   It's also best for pregnant and breast-feeding women to avoid the use of tobacco products and illicit drugs and to follow the doctor's orders with regard to other prescriptions and over-the-counter medications.  Whatever you put into your body, your baby will also share.  Fetal Alcohol Syndrome and Fetal Alcohol Effects are caused by ingesting alcohol during pregnancy.  The effects are life-long for the babies born with it.  The problems can range from severe learning problems to physical and facial deformity.  There is no safe time to drink when you are pregnant.