US scientists have recently published a report with findings that babies can be exposed to methamphetamine or "crystal meth" while in the womb.

The study, published in the Archives of Disease in Childhood, involved analysis of hair samples by researchers who determined that crystal meth is able to cross the placenta directly to the developing fetus.

While research authors suggest that though the precise effects of the drug on a fetus are not fully known, the evidence so far points to restricted fetal growth and developmental problems. Not good news for babies whose moms are using methamphetamines.

According to the study, crystal meth users were also more likely to use other drugs, with cocaine being the most predominant.

Methamphetamine, sometimes referred to as methylamphetamine or desoxyephedrine, is a psychostimulant used primarily for recreational drug purposes. It is sometimes prescribed for ADHD and narcolepsy under the brand name Desoxyn. Meth causes euphoria and excitement by acting directly on the brain's reward mechanisms, causing a cascading release of norepinephrine and dopamine, thus making it highly addictive.

At this point you may be thinking... do we really need scientific research to determine whether methamphetamines are safe for babies in the womb? It's probably OK to suggest that we can add meth, crank, yaba, and other methamphetamine related substances to the list of things pregnant moms should not be smoking, injecting, ingesting, or consuming.

Remember, fetal development is also affected by exposure to nicotine, cigarette smoke, heroin, methadone, cocaine, alcohol, and many other substances.