The Effects of LSD on Pregnancy

How Does LSD Affect Pregnant Women and Unborn Babies?

There are some findings that show the use of LSD during pregnancy may cause birth defects. However, most of these studies were carried out decades ago. These include documented cases of babies born with eye abnormalities, such as cataracts and retinal dysplasia, following maternal use of LSD during pregnancy.^1,2 There are also several case reports of mothers who were administered LSD for medical reasons and subsequently gave birth to babies without any birth defects.³

LSD accumulates in the placenta during pregnancy, and findings from studies with rodents have shown that the drug can significantly compromise fetal blood flow.⁴ In another study, LSD produced changes in isolated rat uterine smooth muscle that are similar to the effects of agents used to hasten childbirth.⁵ These results suggest that the use of LSD might increase the risk of miscarriage.

The use of LSD during pregnancy can also be related to pregnancy complications in less direct ways. Pregnant women who use LSD may have unhealthy and risky lifestyles that can pose a threat to the well-being of both the mother and her unborn child. For example, many people who use LSD may also use other substances, such as alcohol or marijuana. There is substantial evidence that suggests prenatal exposure to marijuana increases the risk for preterm delivery and low birth weight, while alcohol consumption during pregnancy places the baby at risk for fetal alcohol syndrome disorders, miscarriage, and stillbirth.^6,7

What is LSD?

Lysergic acid diethylamide, commonly known as LSD, is a very potent hallucinogenic drug. Although many people associate LSD use with the psychedelic ’60s, this drug is still used today. According to recent results from the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, about 364,000 individuals aged 12 or older reported using LSD in the past year.⁸

In addition to an altered state of mind that is characterized by hallucinations and delusions, some other common effects associated with LSD use include increased blood pressure, rapid heart rate, dilated pupils, sleeplessness, and loss of appetite.⁹ Some of these side effects can be especially dangerous to a pregnant woman and may pose even greater risks to a developing baby.

Treatment Options

If you are pregnant or considering getting pregnant and currently use LSD, be aware that your substance use is dangerous not only to you but also your child. While experiencing the hallucinogenic effects of LSD, you are more likely to make poor decisions or take dangerous risks that can cause harm to the baby. Previous research also shows a fetus exposed to LSD may be at an increased risk of developing certain birth defects.

In addition to the increased risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes, you may also face legal ramifications. In some states in the U.S. substance misuse during pregnancy can lead to the forfeiture of parental rights if you don’t get help.¹⁰ In other states, prenatal substance misuse is a criminal act of child abuse and neglect that can be prosecuted.¹¹ For the well-being of both the mother and child, pregnant women may be given the opportunity to join a treatment program at a rehab facility rather than face time in jail.

Getting Help for LSD Addiction While Pregnant

It’s never too late to seek treatment. If you are psychologically addicted to the hallucinogenic effects of LSD, there are multiple inpatient and outpatient treatment centers that can help you overcome your addiction. Some facilities offer specialized treatment programs for pregnant women. Regardless of the setting, treatment generally includes individual and group counseling, mutual-help groups, and therapies (such as dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), cognitive-behavioral therapy (DBT), and lifestyle skills therapy) that have been proven to help individuals overcome their dependency on LSD.

Reach out to American Addiction Centers (AAC) to connect with an admissions navigator, who can answer your questions, explain your options, and assist you in getting the help you need.