Substance exposure in utero and developmental consequences in adolescence: A systematic review

Abstract

Twenty-five studies fulfilled all of the specific requirements and were included in this review. Most research covered prenatal alcohol exposure. Other substances, however, included cocaine, marijuana, opiates, and poly-substances. Results showed that prenatal exposure to alcohol has long-term cognitive, behavioral, social, and emotional developmental consequences depending on amount and timing of exposure in utero. Less evidence exists for long-term consequences of exposure in utero to other substances than alcohol. However, recent brain-imaging studies have provided important evidence of serious effects of other substance exposure on the developing brain and recent follow-up studies have found an association with deficits in language, attention, areas of cognitive performance and delinquent behavior in adolescence.

Prenatal cocaine effects on brain structure in early infancy

“…Nevertheless some studies report no observable PCE effects (Frank et al 2001). Others reveal independent or interactive effects with nicotine, alcohol, or contextual factors (prematurity, gender, maternal care, environmental characteristics (Bandstra et al 2010; Eiden et al 2011; Irner 2012; Liu et al 2013). The purpose of the current study was to examine the effects of prenatal cocaine exposure on infant brain structure during early infancy, at a time more proximal to in utero exposure, and less influenced by the postnatal environment.…”

Prenatal cocaine exposure: The role of cumulative environmental risk and maternal harshness in the development of child internalizing behavior problems in kindergarten

“…Cocaine is often used in combination with marijuana and nicotine and cocaine use is often accompanied by drinking during pregnancy. All of these substances have the potential to alter developmental outcomes (Irner, 2012). Thus, the potential effects of cocaine use can only be examined in the context of other substance use during pregnancy by including exposure to these other substances in model testing.…”

Differing Attitudes Toward Fetal Care by Pediatric and Maternal-Fetal Medicine Specialists

“…As increasing attention is paid to how the intrauterine environment shapes postnatal health and development, the range of recognized maternally derived (and paternally derived) antecedents to postnatal wellbeing will likely expand considerably. [16][17][18][19][20][21][22] The growing interest in how maternal conditions influence pediatric outcomes raises important questions about the scope of pediatric-based fetal care. For example, should pregnancy management include pediatric specialist consultation when maternal conditions exist that may affect the future child' s postnatal medical care?…”