Final answer:
The use of cocaine during pregnancy can lead to numerous and severe health issues for the unborn baby, including growth restriction, preterm delivery, and central nervous system problems, due to induced fetal hypoxia and other adverse effects.
Step-by-step explanation:
If a mother uses cocaine during pregnancy, it can result in severe and life-threatening complications for the unborn child. Cocaine use can lead to growth restriction, preterm delivery, microcephaly (abnormally small head), spontaneous abortion, and placental abruption which are conditions that have immediate and long-term impacts on the child's well-being. Furthermore, babies can experience limb anomalies and central nervous system abnormalities. Cocaine impacts fetal health through peripheral vasoconstriction, which causes fetal hypoxia due to a reduced oxygen supply.
Exposure to cocaine during pregnancy can also increase the risk of complications such as limb anomalies and the probability of lifelong disabilities or developmental challenges for the child. Cocaine addiction and its withdrawal symptoms can also significantly affect the mother's health, impacting the pregnancy. The risks and adverse health effects highlight the necessity for pregnant women to avoid harmful substances and to seek appropriate prenatal care for the health and safety of both themselves and their unborn children.