Utilization of substances during pregnancy can lead to multiple effects for both mothers and their fetuses and are dependent upon the timing of exposure, dosage utilized, and substance used.
Opioids have been associated with preterm birth, low birth weight, reduced head and brain size, sudden infant death, neonatal abstinence syndrome, congenital malformations such as spina bifida, cleft lip or palate, and fetal cardiac anomalies. A detailed ultrasound by a maternal fetal medicine specialist is recommended.
Methamphetamine is associated with decreased fetal growth, preterm delivery, abruption, and stillbirth. There has been some association between specific fetal anomalies of abdominal wall closure of the fetus and limb defects. A detailed ultrasound by a maternal fetal medicine specialist is recommended. Growth sonography for follow-up for prolonged exposures would appear to be prudent.
Recreational marijuana use has not been consistently associated with an increased risk of congenital fetal abnormalities. A decrease in fetal growth has been reported in some studies. Deficits in attentiveness and cognitive functioning have been reported in children exposed to marijuana in utero.