Perinatal substance use

Using alcohol, tobacco or non-prescribed drugs during your pregnancy can increase health risks for you and your baby. 

Your baby might be born early and have a low birth weight. They might also be born with neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS) and developmental issues.

If you are using substances during your pregnancy, you have options to improve your wellbeing and the wellbeing of your baby. 

• Learn to manage the behaviours that lead you to use substances. E.g. cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), contingency management, and peer support programs.
• Take medications prescribed by your doctor. These can help manage withdrawal, reduce cravings and prevent relapse.
• Connect with community supports for pregnancy and substance use. This could include bed-based treatment programs.
• Work with a health care team during your pregnancy.  The team might include obstetricians, addiction specialists, and social workers.

When your baby is born, they will get special care. This helps with withdrawal symptoms and any trouble feeding.

At Providence Health Care, we offer a full range of substance use care. This includes harm reduction and long-term recovery support.

Clinics that treat perinatal substance use

The Indigenous Wellness Liaison Team is here to support your health journey. Team members offer cultural support and healthcare advocacy. Learn more below or call them at 604-682-2344,62937 or email IWL@providencehealth.bc.ca.

Advances in treatments are all thanks to medical research. While participating in research is a decision you should make for yourself in consultation with your care team, there is much activity in this area so please ask us about our research programs if you’re interested.

By taking part in research, you can help us all learn more about advancing health outcomes and find better ways to help people live and thrive. While you cannot assume benefit to yourself, your participation can make a difference in improving care for future patients.

The following clinical trials are currently enrolling volunteers. Please ask your care team for more information or contact the research team listed on each study or trial. For other information about research at Providence Health Care, please visit Providence Research.

If you or someone you love wants support with substance use during pregnancy, please speak to a doctor about management and treatment options. 

Physicians can admit a pregnant person to Providence’s Medicine program. This program is for prenatal care and management of their substance use disorder. Pregnant people who want to begin their recovery journey may also enter the Road to Recovery program.