Opioid Use Disorder Among Pregnant Women Doubles in 12 Years

Research indicates a significant increase in opioid use disorder among pregnant women, raising serious concerns for maternal and infant health. A study conducted by researchers at Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) examined hospital data from California, revealing that the annual prevalence of opioid use disorder among pregnant women more than doubled between 2008 and 2020.

The study, published in the Journal of Addiction Medicine, analyzed data from over 5 million pregnancies in California. It found that while the overall percentage of pregnant women diagnosed with opioid use disorder remained low, it increased from 0.14% in 2008 to 0.33% by 2020. This rise is troubling, as opioid use during pregnancy has been linked to worse health outcomes for both mothers and newborns.

The researchers emphasized that opioid use can lead to severe complications for mothers, including hypertension and hemorrhaging. Infants born to mothers with opioid use disorder are more likely to be premature, require neonatal intensive care, or face a higher risk of infant death.

Challenges in Treatment Access

While the findings establish a correlation between opioid use and adverse health outcomes, they do not confirm a direct cause-and-effect relationship. Other studies support the notion that opioid use poses risks for both mothers and their children. Co-author Kristin Prewitt, a fellow in OHSU’s section of addiction medicine and department of maternal-fetal medicine, pointed out that pregnant women often lack access to the necessary resources to address opioid use disorders effectively.

“Pregnant patients already face a lot of difficulties in accessing care, but individuals with opioid-use disorders face additional barriers,” Prewitt stated. She noted that in Oregon, only one in four residential treatment programs provide care for pregnant individuals, and some counties lack both obstetric and addiction care resources.

Need for Comprehensive Care

Despite the concerning trends, there have been some encouraging developments in recent years. Annual drug and opioid overdose deaths in the United States have seen a decline. However, for pregnant women grappling with opioid use disorder, targeted and comprehensive health care remains crucial.

“Evidence shows that linking patients to care earlier improves outcomes,” Prewitt explained. Early intervention can facilitate personalized, multidisciplinary care during prenatal and postnatal periods, extending into pediatric care as well. Addressing the unique challenges faced by pregnant women with opioid use disorder is essential for fostering healthier outcomes for both mothers and their children.