Which is a maternal risk associated with methamphetamine use?

Which is a maternal risk associated with methamphetamine use?

• A. Placental abruption
• B. Increased amniotic fluid
• C. Eclampsia
• D. Fetal growth acceleration

Answer: (A)

Methamphetamine use during pregnancy commonly drives maternal vasoconstriction and hypertension, which reduces placental blood flow and increases the risk that the placenta abnormally separates from the uterus. That separation is placental abruption, a true obstetric emergency for the mother because it can cause heavy bleeding, uterine tenderness, and significant maternal hemorrhage, as well as fetal distress. Other options don’t fit as well. Increased amniotic fluid isn’t a typical consequence of meth exposure; the pattern more often involves placental underperfusion and potential fetal growth restriction, not accelerated growth. Eclampsia can occur with hypertensive disorders in pregnancy, but placental abruption is the specific, well-recognized maternal risk strongly associated with stimulant use. Fetal growth acceleration is not expected with methamphetamine exposure.

Methamphetamine use during pregnancy commonly drives maternal vasoconstriction and hypertension, which reduces placental blood flow and increases the risk that the placenta abnormally separates from the uterus. That separation is placental abruption, a true obstetric emergency for the mother because it can cause heavy bleeding, uterine tenderness, and significant maternal hemorrhage, as well as fetal distress.

Other options don’t fit as well. Increased amniotic fluid isn’t a typical consequence of meth exposure; the pattern more often involves placental underperfusion and potential fetal growth restriction, not accelerated growth. Eclampsia can occur with hypertensive disorders in pregnancy, but placental abruption is the specific, well-recognized maternal risk strongly associated with stimulant use. Fetal growth acceleration is not expected with methamphetamine exposure.