What are the risks with use of Ecstasy, methamphetamine and other amphetamines during pregnancy?
The use of Ecstasy, methamphetamine and other amphetamines has increased dramatically in recent years. To date there have been few studies on how Ecstasy may affect pregnancy. One small study did find a possible increase in congenital heart defects and, in females only, of a skeletal defect called clubfoot (4). Babies exposed to Ecstasy before birth also may face some of the same risks as babies exposed to other types of amphetamines. Another commonly abused amphetamine is methamphetamine, also known as speed, ice, crank and crystal meth. A 2006 study found that babies of women who used this drug were more than three times as likely than unexposed babies to grow poorly before birth (5). Even when born at term, affected babies tend to weigh less than about 5 pounds and have a smaller-than-normal head circumference. Use of methamphetamine during pregnancy also increases the risk of pregnancy complications, such as premature delivery and placental problems (5). There also have been cases
