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Obstetric and Neonatal Outcomes in Pregnant Women with Methamphetamine Use at Chaiyaphum Hospital

Authors

Nalinporn Taichaiyaphum Medical Doctor, Professional Level, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Chaiyaphum Hospital

Keywords:

methamphetamine, pregnancy, neonatal outcomes, preterm birth, antenatal care

Abstract

Methamphetamine use during pregnancy is an important public health problem, yet most Thai evidence originates from urban tertiary centers, with provincial hospital data scarce. This study aimed to compare obstetric and neonatal outcomes between pregnant women who did and did not use methamphetamine, and to determine the independent association between methamphetamine use and adverse neonatal outcomes, at Chaiyaphum Hospital. An analytical retrospective matched comparative study, using data drawn retrospectively from medical records, was conducted on singleton pregnancies delivered between 1 October 2023 and 30 September 2025. Seventy women with a positive urine test for methamphetamine and/or a documented history of use (study group) were matched 1:1 by age, ethnicity, and delivery period with 70 non-using controls (140 total). Data were compared using independent t-test or Mann-Whitney U test, chi-square or Fisher's exact test, and multiple logistic regression to estimate adjusted odds ratios (aOR), with statistical significance set at p<0.05.

The methamphetamine group had markedly fewer antenatal care visits (4.2±3.8 vs 11.2±3.2; p<0.001), with 21.4% receiving none, and showed significantly lower education, higher unemployment, and lower income. Preterm birth (37.1% vs 12.9%), low birth weight (25.7% vs 10.0%), and a mean birth weight lower than controls were significantly more frequent. After adjustment for confounders, methamphetamine use independently predicted preterm birth (aOR 4.74; 95% CI: 1.77, 12.68), low birth weight (aOR 3.27; 95% CI: 1.07, 10.02), and a composite adverse neonatal outcome (aOR 3.71; 95% CI: 1.54, 8.92).

Maternal methamphetamine use was independently associated with adverse obstetric and neonatal outcomes, beyond socioeconomic disadvantage. The wide antenatal care gap is a modifiable target; non-stigmatizing screening and integrated maternal-addiction care should be prioritized.

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