Public attention has been drawn to the needs of children who have been exposed to drugs, alcohol, and tobacco in utero. Despite initial concerns that prenatal substance exposure could have global and permanent effects, current research suggests that many of these children do not have significant birth outcomes. Developmental outcomes are also mixed. This paper presents a review of the literature on the impact of prenatal drug exposure on infants and young children. In addition, birth outcome and development data are presented on 80 children who were exposed to multiple substances in utero and who were with their mothers in a treatment facility. Both intra-uterine and extra-uterine factors related to children's outcomes are discussed.
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