What is a prominent effect of maternal cocaine use on an infant?

Maternal cocaine use is associated with several adverse outcomes during pregnancy, one of which is low birth weight. Cocaine can restrict blood flow to the placenta, impairing nutrient and oxygen delivery to the developing fetus. This can result in intrauterine growth restriction, causing infants to be born smaller than expected for their gestational age. Low birth weight can lead to various complications for the infant, including a higher risk of neonatal morbidity.

In contrast, high birth weight, normal head circumference, and increased length are not typically associated with cocaine use. High birth weight would usually be indicative of a well-nourished fetus but is not seen with cocaine exposure. Similarly, head circumference and length may not be affected positively, as the overall growth potential is compromised due to the drug's impact on placental function and fetal development. Therefore, the prominent effect observed with maternal cocaine use is indeed low birth weight.