Effects of Prenatal Opioid Exposure on the Brain and Neurodevelopment.

The literature suggests that prenatal opioid exposure is associated with smaller brain volumes, differences in brain structural and functional connectivity, lower scores in most developmental domains, and more problems with behavior and vision. However, it is unclear whether these relationships are causal, given the complexities of other exposures and environmental factors that contribute to brain development. In addition, in studies using standardized measures, the means of the exposed children are still within the normal range, although lower than unexposed children.