

Many addiction centers offer programs designed specifically for pregnant women. Pregnant women who use cocaine can prevent or reduce the risk of the above problems by refraining from using and by seeking drug abuse and addiction treatment.

Sometimes, prenatal cocaine exposure has long-term effects on a child’s health. Similarly, babies exposed to cocaine in utero often have smaller head circumferences (also called microcephaly) and shorter lengths. This issue can sometimes make it difficult for a baby to fight off infections, eat properly, and gain weight. Prenatal cocaine exposure also raises the risk of low birth weight (a weight under 5 pounds, 8 ounces). Premature DeliveryĬocaine use can increase the risk of premature delivery, which occurs when the mother gives birth before week 37 of pregnancy.īabies who are born premature may face a higher risk of breathing problems, cerebral palsy, poor vision, and other issues. With proper pediatric care, most babies recover from NAS within a few weeks or months. If your baby experiences these symptoms, seek medical help right away. Symptoms usually start within 3 days of birth and may include: When a pregnant woman uses cocaine, the drug can easily cross the placenta and cause physical dependence in the developing fetus.Īfter birth, the baby may experience a withdrawal syndrome called Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS). When left untreated, it may be fatal for both the mother and baby. This condition, which is called placental abruption, usually causes bleeding. However, cocaine use can cause the placenta to detach from the uterus prematurely. In healthy pregnancies, it stays connected to the uterus until birth. The placenta provides oxygen and nutrients for the baby. They might forget to attend prenatal appointments or struggle to follow medical advice, which increases the risk of problems like miscarriage and difficult delivery. In addition, pregnant women who become addicted to crack cocaine may find it difficult to focus on anything besides getting and using the drug. These issues can harm not only the mother but also the developing fetus.

In the 1980s and ‘90s, there was a crack epidemic in Los Angeles, New York City, and other major cities in the United States.ĭuring this time, many people believed that all babies who were exposed to crack cocaine in utero would experience significant problems later in life. Like many forms of drug use, crack cocaine use can cause serious issues during pregnancy. Some people cook the powder into smokeable rocks known as crack cocaine.Īccording to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), about 750,000 pregnant women use cocaine, including crack cocaine, every year.

Cocaine is a highly addictive illicit drug that comes in powder form.
