This factsheet has been written for members of the public by the UK Teratology Information Service (UKTIS). UKTIS is a not-for-profit organisation funded by Public Health England on behalf of UK Health Departments. UKTIS has been providing scientific information to health care providers since 1983 on the effects that medicines, recreational drugs and chemicals may have on the developing baby during pregnancy.

When a pregnant woman uses cocaine, it enters her bloodstream and crosses the placenta to the baby. Cocaine also collects in the fluid around the baby and is absorbed through the baby’s skin. Because unborn babies continually swallow this fluid they also swallow the cocaine. Cocaine in the baby’s bloodstream reaches the baby’s heart, brain, and other organs.