Amphetamines (speed): pregnancy and breastfeeding
Pregnancy
Amphetamine use during pregnancy can affect fetal development. Amphetamine use has been linked with bleeding, early labour and miscarriage. Amphetamine use during pregnancy has also been linked to an increased risk of fetal abnormalities, including smaller head size, eye problems, cleft palate, delayed motor development, limb defects and changes to the brain. Amphetamines also cause the heart rate of mother and baby to increase.
If amphetamines are used close to birth the baby may be unsettled and may be over-active and agitated. Babies of mothers who regularly use amphetamines may also experience withdrawal symptoms in the first few weeks after birth.
Breast feeding
Not much is known about the effects of amphetamines on the mother during breast feeding. There is evidence that babies feed poorly and may be irritable.
See your doctor or other health professional if you are taking or planning to take any substances while pregnant or breast feeding, including prescribed and over-the-counter medications.
For more information, please click on the Australian Drug Foundation's DrugInfo Clearinghouse web site link below.
Last Reviewed: 20 September 2006
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