Drug exposed infants and their mothers: facts, myths, and needs

Abstract

There is much interest in the use and abuse of chemicals by pregnant women. Although maternal chemical use is believed to be harmful to the fetus and has become the basis for criminal prosecution of mothers, obtaining accurate information about the incidence and consequences of prenatal exposure is difficult. This article critically examines the research on incidence and consequences of chemical use and offers suggestions for providing services to this vulnerable population for health care social workers in policy and practice positions.