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Assessment and Evaluation of the High Risk Neonate: The NICU Network Neurobehavioral Scale
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The drug-exposed infant

K M Jorgensen

    Critical Care Nursing Clinics of North America
    |September 1, 1992
    PubMed

    Insights

    Perinatal drug use, including alcohol, cocaine, and opiates, significantly impacts pregnancy and newborns. This review examines the effects of these substances on neonatal outcomes.

    Area of Science:

    • Perinatal medicine
    • Neonatal health
    • Substance abuse research

    Background:

    • Drug use is a growing societal concern.
    • The perinatal population is increasingly affected by substance abuse.
    • Neonatal outcomes are significantly influenced by maternal substance use.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To explore the effects of alcohol, cocaine, and opiates on pregnancy.
    • To examine the impact of maternal substance use on neonatal outcomes.
    • To provide a comprehensive overview of perinatal drug exposure.

    Main Methods:

    • Literature review of studies on perinatal drug exposure.
    • Analysis of the effects of specific substances (alcohol, cocaine, opiates).
    • Evaluation of pregnancy and neonatal outcomes.

    Main Results:

    • Maternal alcohol use is linked to Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASDs).
    • Cocaine exposure can result in preterm birth, low birth weight, and developmental issues.
    • Opiate use during pregnancy can lead to Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS) and long-term health problems.

    Conclusions:

    • Perinatal exposure to alcohol, cocaine, and opiates poses significant risks to both mother and child.
    • Early identification and intervention are crucial for managing substance-exposed pregnancies.
    • Further research is needed to understand long-term developmental impacts and effective treatment strategies.

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