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How Methamphetamine Impacts Pregnancy & Birth

Risk to the embyo and fetus during pregnancy can occur both in the production and use of methamphetamine. Some of the toxins created when making methamphetamine can cause malformation of an embryo and result in congenital defects and stillbirth. Methamphetamine use during pregnancy can increase maternal blood pressure and heart rate, increasing the risk of premature delivery or spontaneous abortion. Methamphetamine also constricts blood vessels in the placenta, resulting in reduced blood flow to the fetus, thereby, a reduced oxygen and nutrient supply. Methamphetamine that passes through the placenta can cause elevated fetal blood pressure, which in turn can lead to prenatal stroke or damage to the heart or other major organs. It can also slow or alter fetal growth. With the exception of any major organ system damage, birth outcomes are throught to improve if the mother stops using methamphetamine in the last one to three month of pregnancy. When born, babies exposed to methamphetamine in utero are frequently very sleepy for the first few weeks, often not waking to feed. After this time, they are often jittery, irritable and have a shrill cry. Some infants suffer withdrawal symptoms requiring treatment. Infants exposed to methamphetamine in utero are also at increased risk for SIDS, viral hepatitis, HIV, respiratory infections, and are unable to gain weight, absorb nutrients or have normal bowel movements.

What are the effects of methamphetamine?

Methamphetamine is a psychostimulant that increases the activity of the brain. It enters the brain more rapidly than other members of the amphetamine group because it is more soluble in the brain's membranes. It readily produces a "rush" of euphoria when injected or smokes. Meth/crank can stay in the body for up to 4 days. Meth/crank quickly creates tolerance in as little as 4 months. Methamphetamine has a high potential for abuse and can contribute to psychosis and violent behavior. When a user is "tweaked" (high) they become nervous and agitated which can lead to violent behavior especially if they feel cornered or threatened. The user may express feelings of excitement and euphoria, talkitiveness, self-confidence, increased energy, mood swings, and unexplained temper flare-ups. Meth/crank users have a decrease in appetite and they may stop sleeping for days at a time. Meth/crank users have alos shown suicidal tendencies. A meth user may suffer from malnutrition and vitamin and mineral deficiencies because they usually arn't eating.

Cat (Methcathinone)

Methcathinone is an amphetamine with the street name of "Cat" and is also referred to as "ggob" or "morning star." It is a chunky, off-white powder that resembles crack in appearance and potency. It may also have a brown or bluish tinge to it. Although typically inhaled, it can also be smoked, watered down, injected, or mixed in a beverage. A Cat high lasts 4-6 hours and produces feelings of exhilaration, heightened awareness, and invincibility. A user can go without food or sleep for up to 72 hours. A Cat user may have nosebleeds, weight loss, dry skin, sores, a sweaty chemical smell, seizures, and hallucinations. Withdrawal is spent curled in the fetal position or even unconscious for a few days, but when the "down" time is over, the user reaches for more Cat. Cat was originally developed in the 1930's by Soviet chemical companies to treat depression. In 1957, Great Britain patented the drug as a diet aid and an antidepressant. The U.S. originally wanted to use methcathinone to treat asthma but abandoned efforts once its negative side effects surfaced. The drug became popular in the 1980's when two brothers with ties to Michigan's Upper Peninsula came across the chemical recipe. Its popularity spread because it is quick, easy, and cheap to make. Cat labs have shown up in many rural areas. Each clandestine lab costs tax payers approximately $10,000 to clean up.

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