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Ask A Midwife

Q. I did a home pregnancy test which was positive. I think that I'm in the sixth week pregnant. There is something which worries me: Around the time of conception I was occasionally taking drugs (cocain, alcohol, valium) and I am also on the prescriptive drug "Zoloft" against depressions. Do you think that all that together could have harmed my baby?

A. First thing...if you want a healthy baby, stop the non-prescription drugs and any abuse of prescription drugs NOW. There is no really easy answer to this question. Truth is, most babies miraculously get through the worst of prenatal environments okay, but fact is, some do not. It is hard to know whether your baby was harmed or not, and a lot depends on HOW much substance abuse existed and when. The baby is most vulnerable in the first trimester. There are prenatal tests you can discuss obtaining with your caregiver such as an ultrasound and amniocentesis. These may be able to give you more information, but neither will guarantee you a perfect baby. I suggest you make an appointment with a physician now to discuss these concerns.

Vickii Gervais is a Certified Professional Midwife who has attended over 600 births.