Prenatal methamphetamine exposure and neonatal outcomes

Abstract

Background: The prevalence of substance use among pregnant women is rising, resulting in a range of problems in newborns. Newborns who are exposed to substances often have withdrawal symptoms, which have a negative impact on their physiological systems, requiring hospitalization and leading to higher medical expenses. A study can provide medical practitioner with valuable insights for effectively monitoring, treating affect newborns and reducing complications.

Objective: To analyze the clinical characteristics and identify complications in neonates born to mothers who used methamphetamine during pregnancy.

Method: This retrospective study utilized hospital data to identify neonates who tested positive for methamphetamine in urine between 2022 and 2025 were compared to neonates whose mothers did not use methamphetamines during pregnancy. The study population and control group were matched based on maternal age, educational level, occupation and antenatal care history.

Result: A total of 53 newborns were enrolled. Among them, 52.8% were male, 30.2% were born prematurely, and 64.2% had low birth weight, the mean birth weight were 2,685.5 grams, length of hospital stay was 4.44+2.52 days. Methamphetamine exposure was also associated with symptoms of poor feeding 43.4%, sleep disturbances 24.5% and hyperthermia 15.1%. Neonates from the methamphetamine exposed group had significant higher rates of lower birth weight and length, need for oxygen supplement for neonatal resuscitation, jaundice than those in the control group (p value <0.05).

Conclusion: Neonates born to mothers who used methamphetamine during pregnancy were associated with low birth weight, need oxygen supplement for neonatal resuscitation, jaundice, poor feeding, sleep disturbances, hyperthermia and extended hospital stay. Therefore general practitioners and pediatricians should concern and closely monitor symptoms for early management.