Neonatal Therapeutics

Abstract

When a mother takes drugs, her unborn child may suffer the consequences. For example, narcotics or barbiturates can depress the central nervous system; anticoagulants can cause hemorrhage; and antibiotics can retard growth, produce flaccidity and stupor, or cause kernicterus. Clinicians should be aware that doses safe for the mother may endanger or, indeed, overwhelm the fetus.