THE CONSEQUENCES OF PRENATAL SUBSTANCE USE FOR THE DEVELOPING FETUS, NEWBORN, AND YOUNG-CHILD

Although substance use has been a worldwide problem at all levels of s ociety since ancient times, recent attention has been focused on die u se of legal and illegal substances by the pregnant woman. Almost all d rugs taken by the pregnant woman are known to cross die placenta and h ave some effect on the fetus. This article reviews die effects of the drugs most frequently used by pregnant women in the United States-nico tine, alcohol, marijuana, opiates, and cocaine-on the fetus and neonat e; when possible, information regarding long-term medical problems is included.