Pregnancy, Medication, Drugs and Alcohol in Grand Rapids, MI

Pregnancy in Grand Rapids, Michigan comes with unique considerations—from long, icy winters to busy work and family schedules. Many pregnant women in West Michigan take medications, use substances, or drink alcohol without realizing these can affect their baby. Others find it difficult to stop because of chronic pain, past trauma, mental health challenges, or social stress.

In Grand Rapids, you are not alone. Local healthcare teams at Spectrum Health, Trinity Health Grand Rapids, Metro Health, and Mercy Health work closely with expecting parents to manage medications and substance use safely during pregnancy.

How Medications and Substances Affect Your Baby

Anything you take during pregnancy—prescription drugs, over‑the‑counter medicines, herbal products, alcohol, nicotine, or illegal drugs—can cross the placenta and reach your developing baby.

Possible effects include:

  • Withdrawal symptoms in the newborn (neonatal abstinence syndrome)
  • Low birth weight
  • Premature birth
  • Stillbirth
  • Growth and developmental problems
  • Problems with the placenta, which supplies food and oxygen to your baby

The actual risk depends on:

  • The type of drug or medication
  • How much you take (dose)
  • How often you take it (frequency)
  • How you take it (swallowed, smoked, injected, etc.)
  • Whether you use more than one substance
  • Your overall physical and mental health
  • Social stress (for example, housing instability, intimate partner violence)
  • Your baby’s individual response
  • The stage of pregnancy (gestational age) when the substance is used
  • Your diet and general health

Because of Michigan’s long winters and shorter daylight hours, some Grand Rapids residents also face seasonal depression (SAD) and chronic pain, which can increase the use of certain medications, alcohol, or other substances. Talk with your provider before starting, stopping, or changing any treatment.

Why Your Grand Rapids Care Team Needs a Full Medication List

Your obstetrician, midwife, family doctor, and pharmacist in Grand Rapids can only give you the safest advice if they know everything you take, including:

  • Prescription medicines (for you)
  • Prescription drugs prescribed to someone else (never safe to use)
  • Over‑the‑counter medicines (pain relievers, cold and flu tablets, sleep aids, antacids, etc.)
  • Herbal and “natural” remedies (teas, supplements, tinctures)
  • Vitamins and nutrition supplements
  • Opiate-based pain medicines (for example, codeine)
  • Substances used as drugs (inhalants like glue or aerosols)
  • Tobacco (cigarettes, cigars, vaping)
  • Alcohol (beer, wine, liquor, seltzers)
  • Cannabis (smoked, vaped, edibles, oils)
  • Illegal drugs (for example, methamphetamine, heroin, cocaine, GHB)

Be Honest About Any Use – Even “Occasional”

Tell your Grand Rapids doctor or midwife if you:

  • Smoke or vape
  • Drink alcohol
  • Use cannabis (recreational or medical)
  • Use other illegal drugs
  • Misuse prescription medications (taking more than prescribed or not prescribed for you)

This information helps your care team at places like Spectrum Health or Trinity Health Grand Rapids plan the safest care for you and your baby—without judgment.

Birth Abnormalities and Medications in Pregnancy

Every pregnancy carries some risk. On average, the risk of a birth abnormality (birth defect) in any baby is about 4%, even when a woman avoids all drugs and medications.

Most commonly used medicines are not harmful to a developing baby when used correctly and under medical supervision. However, some medications can interfere with normal fetal development. These are called teratogenic drugs.

Examples of medications and substances that can cause birth abnormalities include:

  • ACE inhibitors and angiotensin II antagonists (for high blood pressure or heart failure)
  • The hormone diethylstilbestrol (DES) – rarely used now
  • Isotretinoin (for severe acne)
  • High doses of vitamin A
  • Some anticonvulsant (anti-seizure) medications
  • Some cancer-fighting (chemotherapy) medicines
  • Some rheumatologic (arthritis/autoimmune) drugs
  • Some thyroid medications
  • Lithium
  • Male hormones (androgens)
  • Thalidomide
  • Warfarin (a blood thinner)
  • Alcohol
  • Cocaine

This list is not complete. The effects of many illegal drugs (such as cannabis or methamphetamine) are still not fully understood because high‑quality studies in pregnancy are limited.

Pregnancy Risk Categories for Medicines

In the United States, medicines are classified for use in pregnancy based on available safety data. While the older A–X system has been updated by the FDA, many resources still refer to these categories.

These categories apply only to recommended doses:

  • Category A – Taken by many pregnant women with no proven increased risk of birth defects.
  • Category B
    • B1 – Animal studies show no increased risk; human data limited.
    • B2 – Limited animal studies, but no sign of increased risk.
    • B3 – Animal studies show some risk; it is unclear if this applies to humans.
  • Category C – May cause harmful effects on the fetus (often reversible), but not necessarily birth defects.
  • Category D – Evidence they have caused or may cause birth defects. In some cases, benefits to the mother may still outweigh the risks.
  • Category X – High risk of birth defects. Should not be used during pregnancy.

Always review your medications with your Grand Rapids doctor or pharmacist. Never rely on internet lists alone.

When Medications Are Necessary in Pregnancy

Good maternal health is essential for your baby’s growth and development. Many women in Grand Rapids have chronic conditions that must be treated during pregnancy, such as:

  • Asthma
  • Epilepsy (seizure disorders)
  • High blood pressure
  • Thyroid conditions
  • Diabetes
  • Mental health conditions (depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, etc.)

Stopping some medications suddenly can be more dangerous than continuing them.

Examples:

  • Asthma
    If a pregnant woman with asthma stops her inhalers and has frequent attacks, her baby may receive less oxygen, which can slow growth.

  • Epilepsy
    If a pregnant woman with epilepsy stops her anti‑epileptic medications, she may have seizures that can harm both her and the baby and increase the risk of pregnancy complications.

  • Diabetes
    Poorly controlled diabetes increases the risk of birth defects, large babies, preterm birth, and stillbirth.

In some cases, your Grand Rapids provider may switch you to a similar medication that is safer in pregnancy. Do not stop or change any prescribed medicine without talking to your doctor.

Smoking, Caffeine and Alcohol in Pregnancy

Smoking (Including Vaping)

Smoking during pregnancy increases the risk of:

  • Miscarriage
  • Stillbirth
  • Placental problems
  • Premature birth
  • Low birth weight
  • Sudden Unexpected Death in Infancy (SUDI), which includes SIDS

Nicotine from vaping is also harmful in pregnancy. In West Michigan, where respiratory illnesses are common in winter, smoking also worsens breathing issues for both mothers and babies.

If you smoke or vape, ask your Grand Rapids healthcare provider or the Kent County Health Department about quitting support and nicotine replacement options that are safer in pregnancy.

Caffeine

High caffeine intake in pregnancy may be linked with:

  • Miscarriage
  • Low birth weight

General guidance is to limit caffeine to less than 200 mg per day, which is roughly:

  • 1 espresso-style coffee, or
  • 2 cups of instant coffee per day, or
  • 4 cups of medium‑strength tea or hot chocolate per day, or
  • 6 cups of cola per day

Avoid energy drinks, as they often contain high caffeine and other stimulants.

Alcohol

Alcohol use during pregnancy has been associated with:

  • Miscarriage
  • Babies who are small for their gestational age
  • Intellectual and behavioral problems in children, including Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD)

No completely safe level of alcohol in pregnancy has been established. Current expert recommendations are:

  • Not drinking alcohol is the safest option if you are pregnant or might become pregnant.
  • The risk of harm is highest with high, frequent alcohol intake.
  • If you had small amounts of alcohol before you knew you were pregnant, the risk to your baby is likely to be low, but you should stop drinking and discuss it with your provider.

A standard drink in the U.S. contains about 14 g of pure alcohol (for example, 5 oz wine, 12 oz beer, or 1.5 oz spirits).

Illegal Drugs and Pregnancy

Research on illegal drugs in pregnancy is limited, but several substances are known or strongly suspected to cause harm.

Methamphetamines and Amphetamines

Associated with:

  • Low birth weight
  • Birth defects
  • Premature birth
  • Placental problems
  • Behavioral and learning issues later in childhood

Cannabis (Marijuana)

Cannabis use in pregnancy may increase the risk of:

  • Restricted growth in the womb
  • Sleep problems in the baby
  • Behavioral and attention problems later in life

This applies to smoked, vaped, and edible cannabis products, including high‑potency THC products now available in Michigan.

Cocaine

Linked to:

  • Miscarriage
  • Preterm birth
  • Growth restriction
  • Stillbirth
  • Birth defects (brain, heart, genitals, urinary system)
  • Placental abruption (a dangerous condition where the placenta separates from the uterus early)

Heroin and Other Opiates

Associated with:

  • Low birth weight
  • Prematurity
  • Fetal distress
  • Stillbirth
  • Blood-borne infections (such as hepatitis or HIV, especially with injection drug use)
  • Newborn withdrawal after birth (neonatal abstinence syndrome)

Inhalants (Glues, Aerosols, Solvents)

Associated with:

  • Miscarriage
  • Low birth weight
  • Birth defects
  • SUDI (Sudden Unexpected Death in Infancy)

Street drugs are often mixed with unknown substances, which can further increase risks.

If you use any of these substances, it is important to seek confidential help. Grand Rapids healthcare providers are experienced in supporting pregnant women with substance use disorders.

Medications for Heroin and Opioid Dependence

In Grand Rapids and across Michigan, medications such as methadone, buprenorphine, and buprenorphine/naloxone (Suboxone) are used to treat opioid dependence. These are called pharmacotherapies or medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD).

Benefits in pregnancy include:

  • More stable maternal health
  • Reduced injection drug use
  • Lower risk of infections (HIV, hepatitis)
  • More regular prenatal care
  • Reduced risk of overdose

While babies may still experience withdrawal after birth, the risks to pregnancy and the fetus are much lower than with ongoing heroin or illicit opioid use. The benefits of these treatments are reduced if you continue to use heroin or other drugs at the same time.

If you are pregnant and using opioids, talk with your Grand Rapids provider about starting or continuing MOUD in a supervised program.

Safer Use Recommendations During Pregnancy

Be guided by your doctor or midwife, but general recommendations include:

  • Caffeine

    • Limit to < 200 mg per day
    • Avoid energy drinks

  • Smoking/Vaping

    • Avoid or cut down smoking and nicotine use
    • Seek help to quit through local programs

  • Alcohol

    • Avoid alcohol completely during pregnancy

  • Illegal Drugs

    • Avoid or reduce use
    • Seek treatment and support for substance use disorders

  • Medications

    • Do not assume over‑the‑counter or “natural” products are safe
    • Always check with your doctor or pharmacist before starting anything new
    • Do not stop prescribed medicines suddenly without medical advice

Non‑Drug Alternatives for Minor Pregnancy Symptoms

Whenever possible, use non‑drug strategies to manage minor issues during pregnancy. Examples:

  • Heartburn

    • Eat small, frequent meals instead of three large ones
    • Avoid spicy, fatty, or very acidic foods
    • Do not lie down immediately after eating

  • Nasal Congestion (Common in Michigan Winters)

    • Use saline (salt‑water) nasal sprays or rinses
    • Use a humidifier in your bedroom
    • Avoid medicated nasal sprays unless advised by your doctor

  • Nausea and Morning Sickness

    • Eat small, frequent snacks
    • Avoid strong smells or foods that trigger nausea
    • Try ginger tea or ginger candies (after checking with your provider)

Always ask your Grand Rapids healthcare provider before trying new remedies, including herbal or “natural” options.

Where to Get Help in Grand Rapids, MI

If you are pregnant and have questions or concerns about medications, alcohol, or drug use, reach out for support early. Help is confidential and focused on keeping both you and your baby as healthy as possible.

Local Medical Care

  • Your GP / Family Doctor – First point of contact for medication review and referrals
  • Obstetrician-Gynecologist (OB-GYN) – At Spectrum Health, Trinity Health Grand Rapids, Metro Health, Mercy Health, and independent practices
  • Midwife – Hospital-based or community midwives in Grand Rapids
  • Pharmacist – Can review all your medications and supplements for pregnancy safety

Local Public Health and Support Services

  • Kent County Health Department – Maternal and Child Health services, WIC, smoking cessation, and substance use resources
  • Grand Rapids Public Health and Community Clinics – Provide prenatal care, counseling, and referrals

Substance Use and Mental Health Support (Michigan)

  • Michigan statewide substance use and mental health helplines and local treatment centers – Provide counseling, detox, and medication-assisted treatment
  • Local drug and alcohol counselors and social workers – Often available through major hospital systems and community health centers in Grand Rapids

Ask your provider for specific local phone numbers and websites, or search for:

  • “Grand Rapids pregnancy substance use help”
  • “Kent County Health Department maternal health”
  • “Grand Rapids medication assisted treatment pregnancy”

Key Points for Pregnant Women in Grand Rapids

  • Many women take medications or substances in pregnancy without realizing they may affect the baby.
  • Social stress, trauma, chronic pain, and mental health issues can make stopping substances difficult—help is available locally.
  • The baseline risk of a birth abnormality is about 4% for all pregnancies, even when no drugs or medications are used.
  • Most medicines are not harmful when used correctly, but some are teratogenic and can cause birth defects.
  • Never stop a prescribed medication without talking to your doctor; uncontrolled asthma, epilepsy, diabetes, or mental illness can be more dangerous than the medicine itself.
  • Smoking, heavy caffeine use, alcohol, and illegal drugs all increase risks for miscarriage, low birth weight, prematurity, and other serious problems.
  • No amount of alcohol in pregnancy is proven safe; not drinking is the safest option.
  • If you use heroin or other opioids, treatments like methadone or buprenorphine are much safer in pregnancy than continued illicit use.
  • Grand Rapids offers strong healthcare resources—use your local hospitals, clinics, and public health services for support.

If you are pregnant in Grand Rapids and worried about any medication, drug, or alcohol use, talk to your doctor, midwife, or pharmacist as soon as possible. Early, honest conversations lead to better outcomes for both you and your baby.