The Effects of Drugs and Alcohol on Pregnancy People always think that nothing bad would ever happen to them or that they would never make the same mistakes as other mothers. The fact of the matter is that it can happen to anyone and will happen if people aren't careful. 21% of women use illegal drugs and alcohol during the nine months of pregnancy. Whether it's just a drink or a shot or whether it's an everyday event; it can affect the child mentally and physically for the rest of his life. All medications, legal or illegal, are considered harmful to the fetus and should be taken with caution and only under the direct order of a doctor. Drugs can range from simple things, like a cigarette, to major substances like heroin and cocaine. Most mothers who take medications during pregnancy do not think about the harmful effects they may cause on their baby. Any amount of these prohibited substances can leave an everlasting effect on the precious defenseless child. Most women know that when you are pregnant your hormones vary greatly, but so do when a woman is pregnant ...