Effects of Prenatal Cocaine Exposure on Human Pregnancy and Postpartum

Substance abuse in pregnancy has increased over the past three decades in the United States [1]. A National survey on drug Use and Health from 2002-2003 has estimated that 4.3% of pregnant women aged 15-44 years reported illicit drug use within the month to being questioned [1,2]. Approximately 250,000 women in the United State, of whom 90% are of childbearing age with criteria for intravenous drug, resulting in approximately 225,000 infants yearly with prenatal exposure to illicit substances. Legal and illegal substances and their effect on pregnancy have recently reviewed include opiates, cocaine, alcohol, tobacco, marijuana, and amphetamines [3]. Illicit drug use during pregnancy is a major risk factor for maternal morbidity and neonatal complications.