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Cocaine abuse during pregnancy
Alex M Cressman1, Aniket Natekar2, Eunji Kim2
1Motherisk Program, Division of Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto ON; Faculty of Medicine University of Toronto, Toronto ON.
Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Canada : JOGC = Journal D'Obstetrique Et Gynecologie Du Canada : JOGC
|September 4, 2014
Summary
Pregnant women using cocaine face risks like preterm birth and developmental issues for their babies. Counseling and addiction treatment are crucial for these high-risk pregnancies.
Area of Science:
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Neonatology
- Public Health
Background:
- Cocaine abuse during pregnancy is a significant public health concern.
- In utero cocaine exposure has been linked to fears of teratogenicity and long-term health issues.
- Physician-patient discussions regarding cocaine use in pregnancy are infrequent.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the medical literature on the effects of cocaine abuse during pregnancy.
- To identify risks to both the pregnancy and the developing baby.
- To summarize the long-term neurodevelopmental and cognitive consequences.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review of medical literature.
- Identification of studies examining pregnancy and infant outcomes associated with maternal cocaine abuse.
- Analysis of reported risks and deficits.
Main Results:
- Cocaine abuse in pregnancy is associated with preterm birth, placenta-associated syndromes (e.g., placental abruption, preeclampsia), and impaired fetal growth.
- Long-term deficits include poorer language, learning, behavioral problems, and impaired memory and executive function.
- Confounding maternal and sociodemographic factors complicate the isolation of cocaine's specific effects.
Conclusions:
- Maternal cocaine abuse poses significant risks to pregnancy and infant development.
- Interpreting results requires caution due to co-occurring risk factors.
- Counseling, addiction treatment, and addressing the patient's environment are critical interventions.