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Does Overuse Of Painkillers During Pregnancy Cause Behavioural Changes In Baby?

Posted on Mon, 14 Apr 2014

Question: Should I expect to see behavioral and sleep problems in a 20 month old baby whose mother overused all types of prescription pain killers and cocaine throughout her pregnancy? Also, will there be long term effects from this drug use?

Answered by Dr. Jorge Brenes-Salazar (38 minutes later)

Brief Answer: Possible due to expossure Detailed Answer: Dear XXXX Thanks for the query. Indeed, in mothers who have abused drugs such as alcohol and cocaine, behavioral problems are far more common in their offspring than in the general population, however the risk is not 100%; attention deficit, cognitive impairment and slower developmental milestones are more frequent. Adequate stimulation, lots of caring and prompt referral to a therapist if delays in development are in order. Hope this helps, wish you the best, Dr Brenes-Salazar MD Mayo Clinic MN

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar