Stimulants: How big is the problem and what are the effects of prenatal exposure?

Globally, cocaine use increased by 7% –18.2 million people in 2016 or 0.4% of the world population aged 15–64. In 2016, over 34 million (0.7%) people aged 15–64 used amphetamines and a further 0.4% used MDMA (Ecstasy). Women of child bearing age worldwide are increasingly using and becoming dependent on stimulants; and are, in tur n, more vulnerable to sexually transmitted diseases, sexual violence, unplanned pregnancies and mental health problems. Stimulant use during pregnancy increases obstetric complications for the mother, increases the rate of preterm birth and decreases birth weight, length and head circumference for t he exposed infant.
Source: Seminars in Fetal and Neonatal Medicine - Category: Perinatology & Neonatology Authors: Source Type: research