[alex_1515]

My husband and I are considering adopting a baby who was exposed to cocaine, heavliy during the first 6 months of pregnancy.

We are trying to determine the risks and tying to evaluate the health of the baby. I know we have to have faith but are there any tests or signs, things we should look for or ask for to help us feel more comfortable? We have contact with the birth mom and she is due in 4 weeks.

Thanks for your suggestions.

[blessedbybug]

Originally Posted by alex_1515

My husband and I are considering adopting a baby who was exposed to cocaine, heavliy during the first 6 months of pregnancy.

We are trying to determine the risks and tying to evaluate the health of the baby. I know we have to have faith but are there any tests or signs, things we should look for or ask for to help us feel more comfortable? We have contact with the birth mom and she is due in 4 weeks.

Thanks for your suggestions.

I do not know of any prenatal tests that can determine the effects of cocaine on a child exposed before birth. The only thing would be the history given by the expecting mother regarding her use... when, how much, etc. And even that leaves a lot of room for interpretation as so many factors come into play... other drugs used (usually when an illegal drug is used, alcohol ~ which makes FAS a real possibility ~ and nicotine are used), timing and amounts at those specific times of use, the mother's metabolism, nutrition and prenatal care. I have read some information that some believe that the smaller than normal the head circumference, the more probably use and effect on the child. I have not seen any longterm evidence or studies so I won't say that is a factor just a possible factor. Lower birth weight is often talked about but from what I've read and seen, it is more a factor when nicotine is used.

The only thing I would know to recommend is an ultrasound to determine the health of the child to the extent you can with it which is to make sure the basic structures, etc of child's systems are working.

If you live in a larger center and have a children's hospital you might contact them regarding pediatric or developmental specialists in your area who might be able to help you determine the effects based on what you know.

Or your local health unit could be helpful as well.

You can do a web search "prenatal exposure to cocaine" and come up with a variety of studies or articles about this. I haven't cited any because some of the research contradicts other research. You'd have to read and weigh it for yourself.

[Barksum]

I don't know of any prenatal testing that can be done to determine if/what issues are present from drug exposure. From what I know, prenatal testing would only show if one of the major body systems was impaired; internal organs, for instance.

Usually drug exposed children who are not addicted at birth show some lags as they grow during the first year. They might not meet some milestones within the 'normal' perameters set. However, even a child who has lags is not necessarily lagging in one area or another specifically due to drug exposure. Paternal and maternal histories all come in to play, too. So a speech delay MAY be due to drug exposure, or you might be dealing with a heredity issue. General delays, in more than one area, are usually more likely to be a sign of prenatal exposure. So delays in gross motor, speech, social, and fine motor skills might add up to probable delays caused by drug exposure.

Some issues relating to prenatal exposure may not be seen until the child is 'school aged', say 5, 6, or 7, and they have 'lags' or are dx'd with a learning disability. HOWEVER, even THAT may not be drug related...and children never exposed to drugs can have learning disabilities of various kinds.

[Becki_in_IN]

Brain bleeds are a possibility which causes brain damage. My youngest dd wasn't born addicted to cocaine like her baby brother, but her doc feels that the brain damage she has could be attributed to this. All that aside, she is a great kid. She struggles in school, but is wonderful.