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What Are The Effects Of Crystal Meth On Pregnancy?

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Posted on Mon, 27 Apr 2015
Question: I am 28 years old 150lbs 5 foot 2 inches I have taken 2 pregnancy tests in the last couple of days resutling in 1very faint+ and 1- my question is im a heavy methamphetamine user I am curious as to whether or not with a daily intake of 1gm of crystal meth smoking and snorting would this dilute or alter my urine in any way to produce incorrect results? Yes I fully intend on quitting should I be pregnant and would be no more than 4 weeks along which is why Im attempting to find out asap so little to no harm is caused to my unborn child.
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Answered by Dr. Dr. Matt Wachsman (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
not ... really

Detailed Answer:
the basis of dipstick testing (pregnancy AND drug AND drug substance) is an immune protein from animals immunized against the target (whatever target you want; can be pregnancy hormone or a drug). The binding activates a process that triggers an indicator to make a color change. Totally different binding protein for each target you are looking for. Methamphetamine not pregnancy hormone not other drugs.
There might be a slight thirst effect of meth. You might drink a bit extra water and urine might be slightly more dilute. But... doubtful that is enough to do much. More of an issue is how far along the pregnancy is. 2 weeks post conception or about 5-10 days late is when the test starts .. STARTS to become reliable.

It's a separate question about when the harm from methamphetamine starts. I know MUCH of the damage is from decreasing blood flow to the uterus/placenta and that is not early pregnancy.
Note: In case of any other concern or query related to prevention, evaluation, diagnosis, treatment, or the recovery of persons with the any type of addiction or substance use, follow up with our Addiction Medicine Specialist. Click here to book a consultation now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. Dr. Matt Wachsman

Addiction Medicine Specialist

Practicing since :1985

Answered : 4214 Questions

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What Are The Effects Of Crystal Meth On Pregnancy?

Brief Answer: not ... really Detailed Answer: the basis of dipstick testing (pregnancy AND drug AND drug substance) is an immune protein from animals immunized against the target (whatever target you want; can be pregnancy hormone or a drug). The binding activates a process that triggers an indicator to make a color change. Totally different binding protein for each target you are looking for. Methamphetamine not pregnancy hormone not other drugs. There might be a slight thirst effect of meth. You might drink a bit extra water and urine might be slightly more dilute. But... doubtful that is enough to do much. More of an issue is how far along the pregnancy is. 2 weeks post conception or about 5-10 days late is when the test starts .. STARTS to become reliable. It's a separate question about when the harm from methamphetamine starts. I know MUCH of the damage is from decreasing blood flow to the uterus/placenta and that is not early pregnancy.