NCJ Number
129345
Journal
Clearinghouse Review Volume: 24 Issue: 5 Dated: special issue (1990) Pages: 460-466
Date Published
1990
Length
7 pages
Annotation
Although research on the harmful effects of crack and cocaine on children is still in its infancy, this article reviews what is known about the chemical process of exposure, symptoms and risks of crack exposure, and perinatal treatment of drug-exposed children.
Abstract
Cocaine affects a developing fetus in three ways: directly affects the fetus as it passes through the placenta; changes the fetal environment by reducing blood and oxygen supply to the fetus; and produces changes in the mother's central nervous system that place the fetus at risk. Maternal cocaine use during pregnancy, whether confined to the first trimester or continuous, creates serious hazards for both mother and fetus. Fetal fatalities and distress symptoms, including brachycardia, retroplacental and cephalic hemorrages, and acute infarctions in utero, have been documented. Fetal cocaine contamination also increases the risks faced in early infancy. HIV-infected children of substance abusers may be especially vulnerable to AIDS. Cocaine-exposed infants have displayed serious neurobehavioral deficits. Motor difficulties affecting a child's ability to explore and learn about the environment are estimated to be 40 times more likely among cocaine-exposed infants. Lack of prenatal care exacerbates the risk of low birth weight and infant mortality. Because of poverty, drug treatment is often unavailable to pregnant women even if they are motivated to obtain it. National estimates indicate that 50 percent of addicted mothers who are not in drug treatment programs will lose custody of their children by the time the children reach 1 year of age. It is concluded that far too few drug treatment resources are focused on drug-dependent women, particularly adolescents, and their families. 91 endnotes