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Developmental and behavioral consequences of prenatal cocaine exposure: a review

B L Lambert1, C R Bauer

  • 1Department of Psychology, University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL, USA. blambert@psy.miami.edu

Journal of Perinatology : Official Journal of the California Perinatal Association
|July 14, 2012
PubMed

Insights

Prenatal cocaine exposure impacts children

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Developmental Psychology
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Substance use during pregnancy is a significant public health issue.
  • Prenatal cocaine exposure poses risks to child development and societal well-being.
  • A substantial number of exposed children enter the child welfare system.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review recent literature on prenatal cocaine exposure and child outcomes.
  • To examine effects across multiple developmental domains from birth to adolescence.
  • To discuss limitations, risk factors, and future research directions.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of studies on prenatal cocaine exposure.
  • Analysis of outcomes across growth, neurobiology, intelligence, academics, language, executive function, behavior, and psychopathology.
  • Inclusion of methodological limitations, biological, sociodemographic, and environmental factors.

Main Results:

  • Prenatal cocaine exposure is associated with diverse developmental and behavioral challenges.
  • Outcomes span cognitive, academic, language, and socioemotional domains.
  • Long-term effects require further investigation, especially in vulnerable populations.

Conclusions:

  • Documenting associations between prenatal cocaine exposure and child outcomes is crucial.
  • Evidence supports the need for targeted medical, mental health, and educational services.
  • Addressing public health, economic, and policy implications is essential.

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