Cocaine abuse during pregnancy: psychiatric considerations

Cocaine abuse is an increasing problem in the obstetric population. It not only poses a health risk to the pregnant woman, but can precipitate premature labor and abruptio placentae, and has been associated with a number of physical and behavioral problems in the newborn. Evaluation and management of the pregnant cocaine abuser is similar in most respects to that of nonpregnant adults, but diagnosis, psychotherapy, and pharmacotherapy is strongly influenced by the pregnancy. This article describes the risks of cocaine use during pregnancy and outlines the evaluation and management of the pregnant cocaine abuser.