Pregnancy Cocaine causes an increase in the heart rate and blood pressure, but it acts to restrict the increase in blood flow. Research is needed on the vasoconstrictive properties of cocaine and resultant consequences with regard to the pregnant female and pregnancy outcome. Some evidence suggests that pregnancy may predispose a woman to enhanced cardiotoxicity during pregnancy. Additional research is needed to understand how cardiotoxicity may affect pregnant women who use drugs. Chronic cocaine use may reduce the effectiveness of beta-receptor agonists, the primary medications used to stop premature labor.
More research is needed on the relationship of cocaine use to miscarriage and premature labor.
Alternative medications to prevent premature labor need to be developed. Cocaine raises fetal blood pressure and heart rate. Nonhuman animal research suggest that cocaine concentrations can be transferred from the mother to the fetus through the placenta or umbilical cord. It is not known whether amniotic fluid might act as a reservoir that potentially could expose the fetus to cocaine long after the mother has stopped using the drug. More research is needed on the effects of cocaine use on the fetus.