Washington, Oct. 31: An analysis of hair samples by US scientists has shown that babies can be exposed to methamphetamine or "crystal meth" while in the womb.
In a report published in the Archives of Disease in Childhood, the researchers have said that bleaching or straightening of hair does not erase the chemical evidences they hold. They say that unlike hair, the most commonly used blood and urine tests can neither register long term use, nor can they always distinguish among different drugs.
Crystal meth boosts alertness and promotes a sense of wellbeing, euphoria, and exhilaration. It also curbs appetite and enhances sexual arousal. But long term abuse damages nerves in the brain and can lead to psychotic behavior and aggression.
The authors say that though the precise effects of crystal meth on a fetus are not fully known, the evidence points to restricted fetal growth and developmental problems.
The researchers carried out hair sample analysis on more than 8,000 people, of which 396 samples tested positive for crystal meth. Those subjects included 11 mother and baby pairs.
Except for 14, all the samples which tested positive for crystal meth were sent for analysis.
The researchers say that high levels of the drug were found in both the mothers' and the newborns' hair samples, which indicates that the drug is able to cross the placenta directly to the developing fetus.
There was only one newborn baby whose hair did not show presence of drug.
The authors say that the precise effects of crystal meth on a fetus are not fully known, but the evidence to date points to restricted fetal growth and developmental problems.
The study also showed that crystal meth users were more likely to use other drugs, as most of the 396 samples, which tested positive for crystal meth, also tested positive for at least one other illegal drug, predominantly cocaine.
Drug abuse increases complications of pregnancy and triples the likelihood of serious medical problems among the babies born, say the authors. (ANI)