Substance abuse during pregnancy. Effects on the expectant mother and fetus

The use of legal or illicit drugs can cause damage to themother-placenta-fetus entity. Best known is fetal alcohol syndrome, which reflects the teratogenicity of alcohol. For other drugs such as nicotine, amphetamine, cocaine, and cannabis, studies have also demonstrated abnormal symptoms that are not limited to the postnatal period. Fetal programming and prenatal disturbance of the neuroendocrine system are presumably responsible for symptoms and disorders which can be observed into adolescence. In order to care for the substance-dependent pregnant woman and her child, it is necessary to work within an interinstitutional network of medical departments and public institutions.