in infants (Birth). Crack cocaine has been associated with birth defects and the babies of crack-using mothers are born addicted to the drug. The biggest risk to babies from drug-addicted mothers is not the drugs per se but the poor maternal nutritional status and the lack of prenatal care (Teratogens). Cocaine is a vasoconstrictor, and causes blood vessels to shrink. The prenatal complications due to even one exposure to cocaine include: miscarriage; placental abruption; vascular defects (limb reduction); in utero strokes; increased risk of SIDS; and infant drug withdrawal at birth.
Environmental chemicals such as fungicides, food additive and air pollutants may also cause birth defects, though proving this is still difficult (Birth). Exposure of the mother to high levels of radiation can cause microencephaly, blindness, spina bifida, and cleft palate. The severity of the defect depends on the level of exposure and the timing. There are several viruses which are harmful to the fetus: cytomegalovirus (CMV), HIV and rubella, (Teratogens). CMV is transm
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