| Summary: | Substance use in pregnancy, both licit and illicit, can have negative consequences for both the parent and baby. Amphetamine-type substances can cross the placental barrier to affect the fetus during gestation, and may also be present in breast milk post-birth. Infants who were exposed to methamphetamine prior to birth may have trouble feeding, insomnia, and muscle tone abnormalities, which may can sometimes resolve without medical intervention. Discontinuation and abstinence are generally the main goals of treatment for pregnant persons addicted to methamphetamines, but immediate discontinuation can cause depression, fatigue, and psychosis. General recommendations for pregnant persons using illicit substances (which may include crystal meth) include comprehensive assessment and individualized care. Withdrawal management for pregnant persons with stimulant-type dependence can include psychopharmacological medications for psychiatric symptoms, but this is not always necessary. Pharmacological therapies are not routinely recommended for the management of amphetamine-related dependence in pregnant persons. Also recommended for care is assistance with prenatal care, cognitive behavioral therapy, parenting support, and a 12-step programs with regular drug testing. However, these recommendations are not specific for the use of crystal methamphetamine, which, despite being classified as a stimulant, is a drug with different properties than other available amphetamines. The purpose of this report is to examine recent literature regarding interventions for the withdrawal management or treatment of persons who are pregnant and addicted to crystal methamphetamine
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