Perinatal effects of prenatal drug exposure - Neonatal aspects

Drug use in our society is pervasive. Pregnancy is not excluded. The effect s of exposure to the illegal and legal recreational drugs are confounded by many variables that constitute the substance abuser's lifestyle. Associati ons with growth restriction, physical teratogenicity, medical risk, cogniti ve detriment, and behavior dysfunction have all been reported. Although dru g abuse is one of the most frequent causes of infant morbidity, it is also a preventable cause. Education is essential.