Cocaine and SIDS

SIDS is increased in babies born to mothers who used cocaine during pregnancy. The risk is about 8-10 times increased over the general population, or approximately 10 per 1000 live births. In addition, research on infants born to mothers who use cocaine have some abnormalities in their neurologic control of breathing and neurotransmitters active in the autonomic nervous system. These two features may be related. In addition, some studies have suggested that the increased risk associated with cocaine may be due to other risks seen in these mothers (poor socioeconomic conditions, etc.). It remains unproven whether prenatal cocaine exposure itself is associated with the increased risk, or whether it may be due to other associated risks.

I hope this helps,
---Tom Keens
Childrens Hospital Los Angeles