Methamphetamine abuse during pregnancy: outcome and fetal effects

Obstet Gynecol. 1988 Oct;72(4):541-4.

Abstract

Methamphetamines are a popular class of recreational drugs sometimes abused by women of childbearing age. The effects of methamphetamine abuse on pregnancy outcome and embryofetal development are not known. In this study, we compared pregnancy and fetal outcome in 52 women who abused methamphetamines with a randomly selected control group of 52 non-drug-abusing women. Body weight, length, and head circumference were significantly decreased in neonates born to mothers who abused methamphetamines during pregnancy. However, the frequency of congenital anomalies was not significantly increased in this group.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Abnormalities, Drug-Induced / etiology*
  • Adult
  • Embryonic and Fetal Development / drug effects*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Methamphetamine*
  • Pregnancy
  • Pregnancy Complications*
  • Pregnancy Outcome*
  • Substance-Related Disorders*

Substances

  • Methamphetamine