Opioid Abuse Among Pregnant Women Doubled Between 2008-2020

Research from the Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) reveals that opioid abuse among pregnant women has significantly increased over the past decade. The study, which analyzed hospital data from California, found that the annual prevalence of opioid use disorder among pregnant women more than doubled from 2008 to 2020. This trend poses serious risks for both expectant mothers and their infants.

The research, published in the Journal of Addiction Medicine, indicates that the percentage of pregnant women diagnosed with opioid use disorder rose from 0.14% in 2008 to 0.33% in 2020. Although this percentage remains relatively low, the increase is alarming given the associated health complications. The study examined data from over 5 million pregnancies documented in California, making it one of the most extensive analyses of this issue.

Health Risks Linked to Opioid Use

The findings suggest a strong correlation between opioid use during pregnancy and adverse health outcomes. Women with opioid use disorder faced a heightened risk of severe complications, such as hypertension and hemorrhaging. Moreover, their infants were more likely to be born prematurely, require neonatal intensive care, or experience infant mortality. The researchers emphasized that while their study identifies a correlation, it does not establish a direct cause-and-effect relationship.

According to Kristin Prewitt, a fellow in OHSU’s section of addiction medicine and department of maternal-fetal medicine, access to necessary treatment is a significant barrier for pregnant women. “Pregnant patients already face a lot of difficulties in accessing care, but individuals with opioid-use disorders face additional challenges,” she stated. In Oregon, only one in four residential treatment programs provide care for pregnant individuals, and some areas lack both obstetric and addiction care resources.

The Need for Comprehensive Care

Despite the troubling trends, there have been positive developments in addressing the opioid crisis. Annual drug overdose deaths in the United States have shown signs of decline in recent years. Nevertheless, researchers stress that pregnant women struggling with opioid use disorder require dedicated, comprehensive healthcare to improve outcomes for themselves and their children.

Evidence indicates that connecting patients with care early can lead to better health results. Early identification of pregnant women facing these risks can facilitate access to personalized, multidisciplinary care during both the prenatal and postnatal periods. “If we’re aware early on that an individual faces these additional risks, we can ensure they receive the appropriate care,” Prewitt added.

As opioid use among pregnant women continues to rise, the findings from this study highlight the urgency for healthcare systems to adapt and provide the necessary resources. Addressing this crisis effectively could lead to improved health outcomes for mothers and their infants, ultimately benefiting society as a whole.