Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 17, 2026

Assessment and Evaluation of the High Risk Neonate: The NICU Network Neurobehavioral Scale
Published on: August 25, 2014
Implications of psychoactive 'bath salts' use during pregnancy
Psychoactive bath salts (PABS) are dangerous designer drugs. Limited data exists on their effects during pregnancy, necessitating clinical awareness of potential risks to mothers and infants.
Area of Science:
- Toxicology
- Pharmacology
- Maternal-Fetal Medicine
Background:
- Psychoactive bath salts (PABS) are dangerous designer drugs.
- Reported U.S. exposures sharply escalated from 2010-2012.
- European spread preceded U.S. rise.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the limited information on PABS effects in pregnant women and fetuses.
- To alert clinicians to potential maternal, fetal, and neonatal risks.
Main Methods:
- Review of exposure data and clinical literature.
- Analysis of trends following legislative bans in the U.S. and U.K.
Main Results:
- U.S. PABS exposures declined after an October 2011 federal ban.
- U.K. exposures initially declined after a 2010 ban but increased 400% by 2012.
- Data on maternal-fetal effects remains virtually nonexistent.
Conclusions:
- Clinicians need awareness of PABS risks.
- Potential adverse maternal, fetal, and neonatal outcomes require further investigation.
- The dynamic nature of PABS availability and use necessitates ongoing vigilance.
More Related Videos
06:39Using a Murine Model of Psychosocial Stress in Pregnancy as a Translationally Relevant Paradigm for Psychiatric Disorders in Mothers and Infants
Published on: June 13, 2021
05:13Preclinical Model of Prenatal Delta-9-Tetrahydrocannabinol Exposure to Assess Its Impact on Neurodevelopmental Outcomes
Published on: February 28, 2025
Related Concept Videos
Teratogenicity
CNS Depressants: Barbiturates and Benzodiazepines
CNS Stimulants: Psychedelic Agents
Upper Respiratory Drugs: Antitussives, Expectorants, and Mucolytics
Antitussives include codeine, dextromethorphan (Robitussin), and benzonatate (Tessalon). Codeine and dextromethorphan exert their effects centrally by suppressing the cough reflex center in the medulla. Benzonatate operates peripherally within the respiratory tract by anesthetizing...
An Overview of Psychoactive Drugs
Stimulants such as cocaine, amphetamines, and nicotine enhance brain activity, leading to increased alertness, attention, and energy. These drugs typically raise heart rate, blood pressure, and body temperature. While they can induce feelings of euphoria, their misuse can result in severe health...
Hallucinogens and Psychedelics
Marijuana, derived from the dried leaves and flowers of the hemp plant, contains delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)...