Patterns of Methamphetamine Use During Pregnancy: Results from the Infant Development, Environment, and Lifestyle (IDEAL) Study

• DOI: 10.1007/s10995-009-0491-0
• Publication Date: 2009-06-29T13:34:04Z
• Authors: Sheri Della Grotta; Linda L. LaGasse; Amelia M. Arria; Chris Derauf; Penny Grant; Lynne M. Smith; Rizwan Shah; Marilyn Huestis; Jing Liu; Barry M. Lester
• Keywords: Methamphetamine; Prenatal Care

The objectives of this study are to characterize methamphetamine (MA) usage patterns during pregnancy, examine whether MA use associated with sociodemographic characteristics and prenatal care, test the hypothesis that persistent or increasing pregnancy is greater other illicit drugs. sample consisted 191 MA-using mothers who participated in a large-scale multi-site exposure. Patterns substance were assessed by maternal self-report via Substance Use Inventory (SUI), which included detailed information about use, including frequency, quantity, maximum each trimester pregnancy. demonstrated on average, prevalence decreased over three trimesters (84.3% vs. 56.0% 42.4%), frequency was observed among users from first third (3.1 2.4 1.5 days/week). Closer examination individual revealed 29.3% women maintained consistently high 9.4% increased 25.7% had stable low/moderate pattern, 35.6% their course These four groups did not differ characteristics; significantly more visits compared high-use group, but most likely alcohol In conclusion, article elucidated different community sample. Approximately, one could be classified as profile greatest risk themselves potentially infants levels throughout fewer care visits. Overall, we found declined across pregnancy; however, substantial proportion while those higher polydrug use. Future research will investigate association these neonatal outcomes.