Review: Methamphetamine use by pregnant women: Impact on the neonate and challenges for the perinatal team

Abstract

According to the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC)'s 2011 World Drug Report, amphetamine-type stimulants (ATS) are the second most widely used illicit drug group. This drug group comprises methamphetamine, amphetamine and ecstasy. Methamphetamine is the most widely manufactured drug in this group globally, with an estimated annual prevalence of 0.3 to 1.3% two years ago. Africa, notably West Africa, has been identified as an emerging region of consumption and trafficking of methamphetamine in particular.