According to Shadow of Meth, in 2004, the United States law enforcement seized 8,000 meth labs and child welfare removed more than 3,000 children from these homes. However, an infant's exposure to methamphetamine can also occur if the mother used meth while pregnant or if the mother uses methamphetamines while she breastfeeds. In addition, exposure can occur when methamphetamine is used in the home. According to Families, withdrawal from methamphetamine can last up to 10 months of age.
Feeding and Growth
According to L. Smith, M.L. Yonekura, T. Wallace, N. Berman, J. Kuo and C. Berkowitz with the Department of Pediatrics at University of California Los Angeles School of Medicine, infants exposed to methamphetamines can have a reduced growth weight. Methamphetamine can cause babies to be born underweight and to be slow to gain weight after birth. According to Families, infants can also have problems with feeding such as difficulty sucking, not eating enough or eating too much. This can result in a failure to thrive for the infant and medical assistance will be necessary for the child to improve their weight.
Cognitive Problems
According to Families, infants exposed to methamphetamine develop cognitive problems and can have shorter attention spans. Science Daily reports that infants exposed to methamphetamine in the womb are born with brain abnormalities that can sometimes be severe. Science Daily also reports that regions of an infant's brain exposed to methamphetamine will be smaller. This can cause problems with the infant's ability to learn and even result in a lower IQ. These infants may have difficulty keeping up with other babies their age and may seem slower than their peers. As a result, they may require special attention such as speech therapy or special education classes.
Motor Coordination
According to Methamphetamine Treatment, some babies exposed to methamphetamine in the womb can experience a stroke. If the baby survives, this can result in lifelong problems with their physical development. Methamphetamine Treatment also reports that infants can also suffer from muscle stiffness and problems with gripping toys. Babies with these problems may need special assistance from physical therapy and occupational therapy to improve their physical abilities and catch up with their peers. However, some babies seriously affected by methamphetamine may never fully physically catch up.
References
- Shadow of Meth: Statistics About Meth
- The University of California Los Angeles School of Medicine: Effects of Prenatal Methamphetamine Exposure on Fetal Growth and Drug Withdrawal symptoms in Infants Born at Term: L. Smiith, M.L. Yonekura, T. Wallace, N. Berman, J. Kuo, C. Berkowitz
- Families: Methamphetamine Exposure in Babies
- Science Daily: Brain Abnormalities Identified That Result from Prenatal Methamphetamine Exposure
- Methamphetamine Treatment: Meth Babies
