Prenatal substance abuse: short- and long-term effects on the exposed fetus

Pediatrics. 2013 Mar;131(3):e1009-24. doi: 10.1542/peds.2012-3931. Epub 2013 Feb 25.

Abstract

Prenatal substance abuse continues to be a significant problem in this country and poses important health risks for the developing fetus. The primary care pediatrician's role in addressing prenatal substance exposure includes prevention, identification of exposure, recognition of medical issues for the exposed newborn infant, protection of the infant, and follow-up of the exposed infant. This report will provide information for the most common drugs involved in prenatal exposure: nicotine, alcohol, marijuana, opiates, cocaine, and methamphetamine.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Female
  • Fetal Development / drug effects*
  • Fetal Development / physiology
  • Humans
  • Illicit Drugs / adverse effects*
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome / diagnosis*
  • Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome / epidemiology
  • Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome / therapy
  • Pregnancy
  • Prenatal Exposure Delayed Effects / diagnosis*
  • Prenatal Exposure Delayed Effects / epidemiology
  • Prenatal Exposure Delayed Effects / therapy
  • Research Report
  • Substance-Related Disorders / diagnosis*
  • Substance-Related Disorders / epidemiology
  • Substance-Related Disorders / prevention & control
  • Time Factors

Substances

  • Illicit Drugs