Drugs, alcohol, smoking and vaping

Bringing a baby into the world is a powerful motivator for change, and the benefits to your health and your baby's are immense and long-lasting.

Avoiding alcohol is safest for your growing baby. The NHMRC advises there is no known safe level of alcohol in pregnancy. If you are finding it hard to cut down or stop, your GP can help, and so can the services below.

Quitting smoking and vaping

Quitting smoking or vaping before or during pregnancy makes a real difference. It helps you conceive more easily and lowers the risk of miscarriage and premature birth. For your baby, it lowers the risk of stillbirth and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), they are more likely to be a healthy weight, to feed well and settle, and to go home from hospital with you.

It is never too late, and you both start to benefit straight away.

Vaping is not a safe alternative in pregnancy. E-cigarettes still contain nicotine and other chemicals that can harm your baby.

Bathurst Drug and Alcohol Service

Part of the Community Mental Health and Drug and Alcohol Service on the Bathurst Base Hospital campus. You can refer yourself, or be referred by your GP, through the Western NSW intake line.