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Prenatal substance abuse: short- and long-term effects on the exposed fetus.

Authors:

Marylou Behnke, Vincent C. Smith, COMMITTEE ON SUBSTANCE ABUSE, COMMITTEE ON FETUS AND NEWBORN


Published in Pediatrics

March 2013

 

Abstract

Prenatal substance abuse continues to be a significant problem in this country and poses important health risks for the developing fetus. The primary care pediatrician’s role in addressing prenatal substance exposure includes prevention, identification of exposure, recognition of medical issues for the exposed newborn infant, protection of the infant, and follow-up of the exposed infant. This report will provide information for the most common drugs involved in prenatal exposure: nicotine, alcohol, marijuana, opiates, cocaine, and methamphetamine.

 

DOI: 10.1542/peds.2012-3931

FULL TEXT

Citation:

Behnke M, Smith VC, Committee on Substance Abuse, Committee on Fetus and Newborn. Prenatal Substance Abuse: Short- and Long-term Effects on the Exposed Fetus. Pediatrics. 2013;131(3):e1009-e1024. doi:10.1542/peds.2012-3931