Despite adverse effects on children, poly-substance use during pregnancy continues to be a major public health issue [1]. Psychoactive drugs are toxic to the developing brain, especially during the second and third trimester of pregnancy [2]. Given that insults to the central nervous system have their greatest impact upon cells, circuits and processes that are in accelerated development during the fetal period [3], maternal substance use is strongly associated with short-and long-term negative neurological consequences on Purpose: Substance use during pregnancy is a public health problem. Prenatal drug exposure (PDE) is linked to abnormal physical growth, altered brain organization, and cognitive, emotional, and behavioral problems later in life. Working memory (WM) plays an important role in the cognitive processes required for academic achievement, particularly for problem-solving, planning, and decision-making. The purpose of this study was to conduct a systematic review of studies measuring the effect of PDE on children's WM. Methods: Using the Joanna Briggs Institute Reviewers' Manual, we systematically reviewed eight studies (published 2008 to 2019) that measured the effects of PDE on WM among children ages 5 to 12. Results: Studies measuring prenatal exposure to methamphetamine, tobacco, or cocaine did not find differences in WM between PDE groups and controls. Nonetheless, three of the studies found that alcohol had negative effects on children's WM, pinpointing the potential of alcohol to disrupt neurocognitive development. Conclusion: We were not able to generate conclusions regarding the consequences of PDE on children's WM, but we discuss methodological issues and implications for future research on this phenomenon.