Cocaine use during pregnancy: implications for physicians

The growing use of cocaine among pregnant women and its effect on the fetus have become issues of great concern to physicians and society in general. In this paper, we review the available data about the incidence of cocaine use during pregnancy in the United States and in Wisconsin. The pharmacology of the drug is examined as well as its effect on pregnancy outcomes. Medical, neurobehavioral, and developmental effects on the fetus, newborn, and infant are discussed, as well as the relationship to the timing of drug use during pregnancy. Suggestions relevant to physicians for prevention and treatment are given.