My 18-year-old daughter is four weeks pregnant. I know she has been smoking pot and drinking alcohol quite heavily. She also has been doing acid (I am not sure what that is). What effect will this have on the baby? Should she have an abortion?

--Barbie

Drinking alcohol and doing drugs are absolute no-nos for all pregnant women. Heavy drinking -- or even chronic moderate alcohol intake -- can produce fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS). FAS consists of varying degrees of mental retardation and other birth defects such as facial abnormalities and heart defects. Lesser amounts of drinking may cause milder degrees of mental retardation or behavioral problems. Marijuana and LSD ("acid") have not been as clearly linked with birth defects, but they should be avoided nonetheless.

You should open a dialouge with your daughter about her lifestyle habits. Women who use and abuse drugs and alcohol are much less likely to take good care of themselves and their babies. Complications such as preterm birth and low birth weight are more common in these women. And she should stop her drug and alcohol use immediately, and she should see a doctor right away. The doctor will be able to assess the risks to the baby and counsel her about all her options.