Which neonatal effect is associated with maternal methamphetamine exposure?

Which neonatal effect is associated with maternal methamphetamine exposure?

• A. Abnormal sleep patterns
• B. Seizures
• C. Hyperactivity
• D. Macrosomia

Answer: (A)

Neonatal sleep regulation is commonly affected when the mother uses methamphetamine during pregnancy. The stimulant’s effects heighten CNS arousal, so after birth the infant often has trouble settling to sleep, with shortened, fragmented sleep cycles and increased irritability during wakefulness. This pattern of abnormal sleep is a recognized early neonatal effect of in utero meth exposure. Seizures are not the typical neonatal finding linked to meth exposure. Hyperactivity is more a behavioral pattern observed later in childhood rather than an immediate neonatal issue. Macrosomia is not associated with maternal meth use in the newborn period.

Neonatal sleep regulation is commonly affected when the mother uses methamphetamine during pregnancy. The stimulant’s effects heighten CNS arousal, so after birth the infant often has trouble settling to sleep, with shortened, fragmented sleep cycles and increased irritability during wakefulness. This pattern of abnormal sleep is a recognized early neonatal effect of in utero meth exposure.

Seizures are not the typical neonatal finding linked to meth exposure. Hyperactivity is more a behavioral pattern observed later in childhood rather than an immediate neonatal issue. Macrosomia is not associated with maternal meth use in the newborn period.