Pregnancy, abruptio placentae and cocaine

Widespread cocaine use has caused concern about possible harmful effects during pregnancy. Several studies have suggested an increased incidence of abruptio placentae and stillbirths with cocaine use during pregnancy. This study examined what percentage of pregnant women in a lower socioeconomic population use cocaine, as well as positive urine cocaine screens in those with abruptio placentae and intrauterine fetal death (IUFD). Thirty patients were enrolled in the control group, eight in the abruptio placentae group and five in the IUFD group. One of 30 controls, one of eight in the abruptio placentae group and none of the IUFD group urines were positive for cocaine. A higher percentage of those in the abruptio placentae group had a history of abruptio placentae or fetal death, suggesting possible prior drug use. This group also had little, if any, prenatal care. Cocaine abusers may show signs of abuse in their obstetrical histories.