Cocaine: pregnancy and breast feeding
Pregnancy
Cocaine use during pregnancy can affect fetal development. Cocaine increases the heart rate in both the mother and the unborn baby, reducing the supply of blood and oxygen to the baby. This means the baby is more likely to be small and grow slowly after the birth. Cocaine use during pregnancy may cause bleeding, miscarriage, premature labour or stillbirth.
Some research has indicated that children of women who use cocaine may experience long-term mental or physical effects. A number of fetal abnormalities have been reported including malformations of the brain, skull, genito-urinary tract, heart, limbs and/or face.
If cocaine is used close to birth, the baby may be born unsettled and showing symptoms of hyperactivity and agitation. Babies of mothers who regularly use cocaine may also experience withdrawal symptoms after birth, including distressed breathing, sleepiness, poor feeding and lack of responsiveness.
Breast feeding
It is likely that if a mother continues to use cocaine while breast feeding, the drug will be present in her milk, which may have adverse effects on the baby. The baby may be irritable, unsettled and difficult to feed.
See your doctor or other health professional if you are taking or planning to take any substances while pregnant or breast feeding, including prescribed and over-the-counter medications.
For more information, please click on the Australian Drug Foundation's DrugInfo Clearinghouse web site link below.
Last Reviewed: 21 March 2007
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