The pregnant drug-dependent woman subjects her developing infant to a host of problems. When assessing the effects of drugs, especially illicit drugs, on newborn infants (neonates) and young children, two factors must be considered: (1) the duration and concentration of the drug exposure on the developing fetus, and (2) any preexisting medical complications in the mother. These factors are interactive and together will influence, in varying ways, the eventual capabilities of the child. Therefore, the long-term outcome of children exposed to drugs during fetal development should be assessed.

Effects on the Newborn

A pregnant drug-dependent woman puts her developing fetus at risk for a number of diseases, including hepatitis, ACQUIRED IMMUNODEFICIENCY SYNDROME (AIDS), tuberculosis, and sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). A number of these diseases may be acquired through needle sharing. Mothers who are infected with these diseases are likely to...