Effects of Maternal Alcohol and Drug Abuse on the Newborn

The most damaging effects of psychotropic drug use during pregnancy occur not in the mother, who makes an informed choice to continue drug use, but in the newborn who becomes a passive victim. Drug abuse and alcoholism specialists present the latest findings on the effects on the newborn of mothers'use of illicit drugs during pregnancy. These experts specifically address the perinatal, neonatal, and subsequent developmental effects. Physicians, nurse practitioners, and other professionals with direct patient contact can use the valuable information in this volume to enhance their efforts of warning pregnant women of the risks inherent in the consumption of mood-altering drugs, not only for her own health, but for better chances of a successful pregnancy and a healthy baby.