More Expectant Moms Using Meth/Opioids

Both meth and opioid use is on the rise among expectant moms in the United States, according to a new study published in the American Journal of Public Health. In fact, in the last decade amphetamine use among pregnant women has doubled (from 1.2 per 1,000 hospital deliveries to 2.4). And the rate of opioid-affected births more than quadrupled, from 1.5 per 1,000 deliveries to 6.5. Researchers say these estimates are likely conservative – as they rely on patients’ disclosure of substance abuse as well as proper recording of diagnoses. 

"With substance use, it's not just the opioid epidemic,” Dr. Lindsay Admon, an OB-GYN at Michigan Medicine Von Voigtlander Women's Hospital and the lead author of the study, told U.S. News and World Report. “There are other substances such as methamphetamine use that are also increasing.” 

Unfortunately, the effects of methamphetamine use on pregnancy and the infant aren't as well-studied as opiates, alcohol and cocaine. However, meth use during pregnancy has been linked to numerous birth complications, including higher rates of preeclampsia, placental abruption, preterm delivery and severe maternal morbidity and mortality. 

This is partly because substance abuse during pregnancy often means later prenatal care and fewer prenatal appointments. In addition, women who use meth frequently use tobacco, alcohol and other drugs – and this can also confound the birth outcomes, notes the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Access to addiction treatment for pregnant women also plays a role. 

These findings highlight the fact that “we really need to think carefully about ways to connect women with the treatment resources that they need,” said Dr. Admon. “We have these really clear treatment guidelines for treating patients with opioid use disorder, and we don’t have the same type of guidance, certainly not in obstetrics, about how to best treat women with amphetamine use disorder, and I think there’s definitely a need for that.”

Substance Abuse Help for Women

Perhaps the biggest and most important choice of your life is making the decision to seek help for a substance use disorder. Let us help support you along your journey. To find out more about our addiction treatment for women, call today: 866-746-1558.