Consequences of cocaine use during pregnancy: an integrative literature review.

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: The gestational period brings major changes in a woman's life, causing significant changes in her body. As a result, the use and dependence on psychoactive substances represent a major concern for the various institutions and spheres of society, as it is a behavior capable of causing serious physical consequences for both the mother and the baby. OBJECTIVE: To present, according to the scientific literature, the main consequences associated with the use of cocaine during pregnancy. METHODOLOGY: This is a qualitative study, it refers to an integrative literature review, presenting a synthesis of the studies analyzed in full, organizing them for the elaboration of the results regarding the established theme, being carried out in the month of August 2023. RESULTS: In the maternal organism, cocaine causes severe vasoconstriction and, by crossing the placental barrier, this effect extends to the fetus. Much of this aggression results from the action of the drug that causes spontaneous abortion, premature labor, premature placental displacement, delayed intrauterine growth and severe chronic fetal distress. FINAL CONSIDERATIONS: Therefore, it is understood that the use and dependence on licit and illicit substances, such as cocaine use, is a serious public health problem worldwide. During pregnancy, with all the changes in the mother's body, the use of the substance has serious consequences for the health of the mother and the development of the fetus, which can cause serious damage and, in more serious cases, lead to fetal death.