# What are the risks of using methamphetamine during pregnancy? Canonical page: https://clinicsjo.com/en/faq/methamphetamine-risks-during-pregnancy Language: en Category: pregnancy Publisher: ClinicsJo Published: 2026-09-13T17:52:53.597Z Content updated: 2026-09-13T17:52:53.597Z Translation (ar): https://clinicsjo.com/ar/faq/methamphetamine-risks-during-pregnancy Using methamphetamine during pregnancy is a practice fraught with serious risks for both the mother and the fetus, as it can lead to complications such as preterm birth, poor fetal growth, and high blood pressure in the mother [\[3\]](). Newborns may also suffer from withdrawal symptoms after birth and developmental and behavioral problems later in life [\[3\]](). It is essential to seek medical help immediately to minimize these risks. ## Risks of Methamphetamine to Mother and Fetus Methamphetamine use during pregnancy is associated with an increased likelihood of miscarriage [\[3\]](). It also increases the chances of serious complications such as preterm birth (before 37 weeks of gestation) and having babies with low birth weight (less than 2500 grams) or suffering from impaired growth, including a small head circumference [\[3\]](). Pregnant women who use methamphetamine may face elevated risks related to high blood pressure and placental abruption, which are medical emergencies that can threaten the lives of both the mother and the fetus [\[3\]](). The likelihood of these complications increases when using methamphetamine at high doses or continuing it throughout pregnancy [\[3\]](). ## Withdrawal Symptoms in Newborns When methamphetamine is used near the end of pregnancy, the likelihood of symptoms appearing in the newborn, sometimes known as withdrawal symptoms, increases [\[3\]](). These symptoms may include feeding difficulties, sleep disturbances (sleeping too little or too much), weak or stiff muscle control, tremors, and difficulty breathing [\[3\]](). These symptoms usually disappear within a few weeks but may persist for a few months [\[3\]](). In many of these cases, the newborn may require care in a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) to manage these symptoms [\[3\]](). ## Long-term Developmental Effects on the Child Studies indicate that children exposed to methamphetamine during pregnancy may have a higher chance of changes in brain development, as well as learning and behavioral problems in later stages of their lives [\[3\]](). However, there are no tests available during pregnancy that can determine the extent of the effect there might be on future behavior or learning [\[3\]](). ## Methamphetamine and Breastfeeding Methamphetamine passes into breast milk, and therefore it should not be used without a prescription or medical supervision while breastfeeding [\[3\]](). It is generally advised not to breastfeed for mothers who are actively using amphetamines [\[5\]](). No single waiting period is used as a guarantee for the safety of resuming breastfeeding; the medical team should be contacted quickly to assess exposure and determine a safe plan for feeding the infant [\[3\]](). However, one should always consult with a healthcare provider to discuss all questions related to breastfeeding and evaluate infant feeding individually [\[3\]](). ## Seeking Medical Help and Support If you are using methamphetamine or are having difficulty stopping it during pregnancy, it is very important to inform your healthcare provider immediately [\[3\]](). The goal is to provide the best medical support for you and your baby, including available treatment options [\[3\]](). Prenatal ultrasounds can help detect some congenital defects and monitor fetal growth [\[3\]](). For more information on how to obtain health support, you can view our comprehensive article on [Methamphetamine: Addiction Risks, Symptoms, and Methods of Treatment and Recovery (Arabic)](). ## Medical references - [Methamphetamine - MotherToBaby | Fact Sheets - NCBI Bookshelf]() - [Methamphetamine - Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed®) - NCBI Bookshelf]() General health education; not a substitute for individualized clinical assessment. Citation URL: https://clinicsjo.com/en/faq/methamphetamine-risks-during-pregnancy#answer