Prenatal substance abuse: short- and long-term effects on the exposed fetus.
Authors:
Marylou Behnke, Vincent C. Smith, COMMITTEE ON SUBSTANCE ABUSE, COMMITTEE ON FETUS AND NEWBORN
Published in Pediatrics
March 2013
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.
Citation:
Behnke M, Smith VC, Committee on Substance Abuse, Committee on Fetus and Newborn. Prenatal Substance Abuse: Short- and Long-term Effects on the Exposed Fetus. Pediatrics. 2013;131(3):e1009-e1024. doi:10.1542/peds.2012-3931