The Effect of Narcotics on the Consequences of Pregnancy and Childbirth

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Assistant Professor, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.

2 Resident, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.

10.22038/ijogi.2025.86777.6382

Abstract

Introduction: Since the conflicting findings have been reported regarding the association between substance use in pregnant women and maternal and neonatal complications, this study was performed with aim to investigate the effect of substance use on the outcomes of pregnancy and childbirth.
Methods: This case- control study was conducted in 2024 on 260 pregnant women referred to Imam Hossein Hospital in Tehran. Demographic data and pregnancy, delivery, and neonatal outcomes (preterm delivery, Apgar scores, intrauterine growth restriction) were compared between women with and without a history of substance use. Data were analyzed using SPSS software (version 26) and Mann-Whitney U, Chi-square, and Fisher's exact tests. P<0.05 was considered significant.
Results: Overall, 48 individuals (18.5%) had a history of substance use. Among women with a history of substance use compared to the other group, there was higher prevalence of IUFD (4.2% vs. 0.5%, p=0.030), intrauterine growth restriction (6.5% vs. 0.5%, p=0.019), premature rupture of membranes (10.9% vs. 0.9%, p<0.001), cesarean delivery (79.2% vs. 36.3%, p<0.001), preterm delivery (32.6% vs. 3.3%, p<0.001), and meconium staining (17.4% vs. 0.9%, p<0.001). Additionally, the one-minute (8.37 ± 0.93 vs. 9.71 ± 0.60, p<0.001) and five-minute (8.72 ± 0.81 vs. 9.96 ± 0.19, p<0.001) Apgar scores were significantly lower in the substance use group.
Conclusion: Substance use during pregnancy was associated with adverse pregnancy, delivery, and neonatal outcomes. These women should be closely monitored.

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Main Subjects

References

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The Iranian Journal of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Infertility
Volume 28, Issue 9
November 2025
Pages 46-55

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