Drug Addiction in Pregnancy: 13 Years of Experience

Abstract

In this retrospective study, we review our data on 203 drug-addicted pregnant patients, considering two different aspects of the question: maternal and fetal. We report the findings relative to maternal metabolic, endocrinological, neuroendocrinological and immunological studies performed in our department over the past 13 years. Moreover, we study fetal involvement in drug-addicted pregnancy and report the findings of our fetal behavior and urodynamic studies. The last section of this study deals with perinatal outcome. In particular, we report a high incidence of small-for-gestational-age fetuses and premature deliveries.

Drug Screening and Criminal Prosecution of Pregnant Women

“…These conditions affect the fetus (Bell & Lau, 1995). The most common results of cocaine use during pregnancy are placental abruption and/or stillbirth (ACOG, 1994b;Bell & Lau, 1995;Burkett, Yasin, Palow, LaVoie, & Martinez, 1994;Noia et al, 1994). Premature birth and its associated complications of increased fetal morbidity and mortality and prolonged hospitalization are common.…”