Meth and Motherhood: The Risks of Methamphetamine Use During Pregnancy

Methamphetamine, or meth, is a powerful and highly addictive synthetic stimulant that comes in the form of a white, bitter-tasting powder or crystal-like substance (often called “crystal meth”). It affects the central nervous system and is known for giving users a fast, intense high, increasing energy, and euphoria. However, meth is highly addictive and damaging to the brain and body, especially with repeated use. 

Meth use is dangerous for anyone, but when used during pregnancy, the risks can be especially harmful for the mother and developing baby. According to recent reports, methamphetamine use has been rising across the United States, including among pregnant women. A 2021 study found that between 2008 and 2017, the prevalence of methamphetamine-positive tests among pregnant women at the time of delivery more than doubled in the U.S., highlighting a growing public health concern. While these numbers are alarming, they also reflect the need for better prevention and treatment efforts.

Effects of meth use during pregnancy

During pregnancy, methamphetamine can cross the placenta, meaning that the developing baby is exposed to the drug and its harmful effects. This exposure can lead to a range of possible serious health issues, both short and long-term, for the mother and child:

Premature Birth: Meth use during pregnancy significantly increases the risk of premature birth, meaning that the baby is born before 37 weeks of pregnancy. Premature babies often have underdeveloped organs and can face long-term health problems, including respiratory issues, developmental delays, and difficulty feeding.

Low Birth Weight: Babies exposed to meth in the womb are more likely to have low birth weight, which can lead to complications such as difficulty maintaining body temperature, trouble eating, and weakened immune systems.

Placental Abruption: Meth use during pregnancy can cause the placenta to detach from the uterus prematurely, a condition called placental abruption. This is extremely dangerous for both the mother and baby, as it can lead to heavy bleeding, oxygen deprivation, and even death.

Developmental Delays and Behavioral Issues: Children exposed to methamphetamine in the womb may experience developmental delays, including challenges with motor skills, memory, and learning. They are also at higher risk for behavioral problems, such as hyperactivity, impulsivity, and attention deficits, as they grow.

Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS): Babies born to mothers who use meth during pregnancy may go through withdrawal after birth, known as Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS). This can cause symptoms like tremors, excessive crying, poor feeding, irritability, and sleep problems.

Increased Risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS): Methamphetamine use during pregnancy has also been linked to an increased risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), a tragic condition where an otherwise healthy infant dies unexpectedly, often during sleep.

Preventing methamphetamine use during pregnancy

There is no single cause for substance use during pregnancy, and methamphetamine addiction can affect people across all demographics. However, several factors may increase the likelihood of meth use during pregnancy. Individuals suffering from chronic stress, trauma, or undiagnosed mental health disorders may turn to substances like meth to cope. Additionally, women who lack strong social support systems, whether from family, friends, or community resources, may be more susceptible to drug use. Individuals who are part of vulnerable populations – homeless, economically disadvantaged, Black, Brown, Native, rural, LGBTQ+ –  are more likely to experience economic hardship, lack of access to healthcare, discrimination in care, and unstable housing, all of which can increase the stress and instability that can lead to drug use. Often, meth use is not the only substance involved. Pregnant women who use meth may also struggle with other substance use, compounding the risks.

Prevention efforts can go a long way in reducing methamphetamine use during pregnancy. Education, support, and early intervention are key to helping women avoid substance use during this critical time. Some strategies include:

• Prenatal Education: Healthcare providers can play a vital role by discussing the risks of methamphetamine and other substance use during routine prenatal visits, ensuring that women understand the potential dangers to their baby’s health.

• Access to Healthcare: Ensuring that pregnant women have access to affordable prenatal care can help detect substance use early and provide opportunities for intervention.

• Mental Health Support: Addressing underlying mental health issues through counseling, therapy, or medication can reduce the risk of meth use as a coping mechanism.

• Community Support Programs: Programs that offer resources to pregnant women, such as housing, financial support, and substance use education, can provide the stability and support needed to prevent drug use.

Treatment for meth use during pregnancy

It’s never too late to seek help if a pregnant woman is using methamphetamine. There are effective treatments available that can help women stop using meth while also protecting their baby’s health. One approach is behavioral therapy, where evidence-based methods like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and contingency management help individuals manage cravings, avoid triggers, and develop healthier coping mechanisms. Support groups for pregnant women facing substance use challenges can provide encouragement, understanding, and accountability. It's also crucial for pregnant women to receive medical supervision, working closely with healthcare providers who specialize in addiction and prenatal care to ensure both their health and their baby’s health are properly monitored and managed. In some cases, medication-assisted treatment (MAT) may be used to manage withdrawal symptoms or other health conditions that arise during pregnancy, although there is no specific medication for methamphetamine addiction itself.

Moving Forward with Compassion and Support

Methamphetamine use during pregnancy is a serious issue, but with the right support, education, and resources, improving the health and well-being of both mothers and babies is possible. By understanding the risks and focusing on prevention and treatment, we can help more women have healthy pregnancies and give their babies the best start in life. If you or someone you know is struggling with methamphetamine use during pregnancy, remember that help is available, and it’s never too late to reach out for support.

Please call Sacramento County Substance Use Prevention and Treatment Services at (916) 874-9754 or visit our website.

If you are outside the Sacramento area, visit https://www.samhsa.gov/find-helpor call SAMHSA’s National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357).

References

• Bartholomew, M. L., & Lee, M.-J. (2019, September 13). Substance use in the breastfeeding woman. Contemporary OB/GYN, 64 (90).  https://www.contemporaryobgyn.net/view/substance-use-breastfeeding-woman

• Chatterjee, R. (2018, November 29). Another drug crisis: Methamphetamine use by pregnant women. NPR. https://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2018/11/29/668487475/another-drug-crisis-methamphetamine-use-by-pregnant-women

• Hayer, S., Bharti, G., Wallace, J., Prewitt, K. C., Lo, J. O., & Caughney, A. B. (2024, May 22). Prenatal methamphetamine use increases risk of adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes. American Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology. https://www.ajog.org/article/S0002-9378(24)00615-X/abstract

• Li, J., Liu, J., Zhang, K., Chen, L., Xu, J., & Xie, X. (2021). The adverse effects of prenatal meth exposure on the offspring: A review. Frontiers in Pharmacology, 12, 715176. https://doi.org/10.3389/fphar.2021.715176

• Pham, T., Tinajero, Y., Mo, L., Schulkin, J., Schmidt, L., Wakeman, B., & Kremer, M. (2020). Obstetrical and perinatal outcomes of patients with methamphetamine-positive drug screen on labor and delivery. American Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology MFM, 2(4), 100195. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ajogmf.2020.100195