Other recreational drugs have been associated
with fetal death, although substance abuse is associated
with many other risk factors. Cocaine has convincingly
been associated with an increased risk for
fetal death as well as abruption and IUGR. Although
similar pathophysiology should apply to methamphetamines,
it has not been linked to fetal death at
present. Data regarding alcohol and fetal death are
mixed; some studies show an association and some do
not.21,22 Marijuana has not been associated with fetal
death. Abrupt narcotic withdrawal (eg, heroin) is
another potential cause of fetal death.