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Updated: Jun 10, 2026
19:15
Assessment and Evaluation of the High Risk Neonate: The NICU Network Neurobehavioral Scale
Published on: August 25, 2014
Methamphetamine use during pregnancy: maternal and neonatal implications.
Meadow M Good1, Ido Solt, Joann G Acuna
1From the Division of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics/Gynecology, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California.
Obstetrics and Gynecology
|July 29, 2010
Summary
Methamphetamine use during pregnancy leads to significantly worse maternal and neonatal outcomes. Early identification and intervention are crucial for improving pregnancy results in this high-risk group.
Area of Science:
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Neonatal Medicine
- Public Health
Background:
- Methamphetamine use in pregnancy presents unique challenges in maternal and neonatal care.
- Understanding the demographic and clinical profiles of affected pregnancies is vital for targeted interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the demographic characteristics and clinical morbidity of methamphetamine-exposed pregnancies with a control group.
- To identify factors associated with methamphetamine use during pregnancy.
Main Methods:
- A single-site chart review was conducted from 2000 to 2006.
- 276 pregnancies with confirmed methamphetamine use were compared to 34,055 controls.
- Data included demographic factors and perinatal outcomes.
Main Results:
- Methamphetamine-exposed pregnancies had higher rates of preterm delivery (52% vs. 17%), low Apgar scores, cesarean delivery, and neonatal mortality (4% vs. 1%).
- Associated factors included younger maternal age, unemployment, other substance abuse, domestic violence, and adoption.
- Demographically distinct characteristics were noted in the methamphetamine-exposed group.
Conclusions:
- Methamphetamine use in pregnancy is associated with increased maternal and neonatal morbidity compared to the general obstetric population.
- Early identification and intervention strategies are warranted to improve pregnancy outcomes for these women.
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