HomeAnswersObstetrics and GynecologycocaineI took cocaine 6 months ago. Can it impact my baby’s health?

What negative impact can cocaine have on the fetus?

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The following is an actual conversation between an iCliniq user and a doctor that has been reviewed and published as a Premium Q&A.

Answered by

Dr. Rajesh Jain

Medically reviewed by

iCliniq medical review team

Published At March 15, 2023
Reviewed AtJanuary 31, 2024

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

I took two or three lines of cocaine at a Christmas party. I had not taken cocaine regularly before that; the last time was more than six months ago and very infrequently before that. I recently discovered my wife is pregnant (conception around early this month). I did not know this at the time, but I have since read that it could impact our baby's health. Unfortunately, I cannot find much advice online. Should I be concerned?

Answered by Dr. Rajesh Jain

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I read your query and can understand your concern.

Do not worry. As you have taken a very small amount, it would not affect the baby.

Hope this helps.

Thanks and take care.

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

Thank you for your reply.

I have read two studies suggesting a link between paternal cocaine use and birth defects. The first suggests cocaine can bind to sperm but that this would not affect if the cocaine were taken more than two weeks before conception (as the cocaine would be fully excreted from the system). The other suggests cocaine can alter your DNA through epigenetics. Most of these studies are on rats and look at extended or long-term use. However, these are findings I am concerned may be relevant to me. Do you think these studies are valid and relevant to my case?

Answered by Dr. Rajesh Jain

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

I read your query and can understand your concern.

Do not worry. If cocaine is used for more than two weeks regularly just before conception can cause health issues in babies. However, as before pregnancy, you took cocaine six months back, there is no chance of any health issues for the baby.

Hope this helps.

Thanks and take care.

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

Thank you for your reply.

But the last time I had it was at Christmas, around six weeks before. Does this still apply?

Answered by Dr. Rajesh Jain

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

I read your query and can understand your concern.

Already six weeks passed. Can you send me the date of the last periods?

Thanks and take care.

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

Thank you for your reply.

I first had cocaine four months back and a second time two months back. My wife conceived this month. Does your previous suggestion still apply to cocaine used at this frequency? Only small amounts were used both times, and I have never taken cocaine frequently, never more than one day at a time.

Answered by Dr. Rajesh Jain

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

I read your query and can understand your concern.

As already six weeks have passed since the use of cocaine, all effects would have cleared in three to four weeks before conception. There will not be any abnormal effects on organs or the fetus's body.

Hope this helps.

Thank you and take care.

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

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Dr. Rajesh Jain

General Practitioner

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