Maternal Cocaine Abuse and Effect on the Newborn

Abstract

Cocaine has been increasingly available to a wider population of potential users in the United States. Information concerning possible effects of this agent on the fetus and newborn is lacking. We observed eight infants whose mother's gave a history of cocaine abuse and, in whom, results of a urine screen for cocaine were positive. We observed no evident symptomatology or signs of teratogenicity on these infants. Although this is encouraging, more studies, including Brazelton assessment, and long-term follow-up of infants born to cocaine-abusing mothers is necessary.