Increased rate of intrauterine growth retardation. Decreased length at birth and head circumference . Impairment of orientation and motor behaviors, increased number of abnormal reflexes, inability to achieve alert states. Teratogenic effects - genitourinary tract, cardiac abnormalities, and cerebral infarctions. Mechanism of Cocaine Fetal Effects 1.
Placental vasoconstriction occurs decreasing blood flow to the fetus causing fetal hypoxia.
There is no relationship to the amount or frequency of cocaine use and its effects on the fetus. Spontaneous Abortion and Abruptio Placenta - caused by acute hypertension and increase uterine contractility produced by cocaine which damages placental and uterine vessels. Intrauterine Growth Retardation - related to intermittent decreases in placental blood flow associated with the cocaine use. Genitourinary tract and neural tube malformations - tract forms in the first 5 wks of gestation. Teratogenic effects affect mesodermal development due to fetal hypoxia and intermittent vascular disruptions.