Cocaine: how dangerous is it during pregnancy?

The risk of prematurity, stillbirth, small for gestational age, and central nervous system damage are clearly a consequence of maternal cocaine use during pregnancy. There is also the risk of concommitent use of alcohol which may cause long term developmental problems. Therefore cocaine should be avoided in pregnancy, but the good news is that if the child survives, the longterm outcome may be very favorable. The cocaine exposed child given proper parenting and educational support may well develop normally with a bright future. It is important not to be too pessimistic about the term infant exposed to cocaine since it may lead to a "self-fulfilling prophecy". Supporting the cocaine exposed child and their family is an important task for all health professionals who deal with children.