A Growing Concern: Opioid Use in Pregnancy

Over the past decade, the number of pregnant women using opioids has seen a significant rise. This trend is worrying because it puts both the mother and the baby at risk.

Study Findings

A recent study looked at over 5.5 million pregnancies in California. It found that the rate of opioid use during pregnancy more than doubled from 2008 to 2020.

• 2008: Only 0.14% of pregnant women used opioids.
• 2020: That number had risen to 0.33%.

Complications and Risks

The study also found that women using opioids during pregnancy were more likely to have complications. They were up to twice as likely to have problems during delivery. Their babies were also at higher risk.

• Infants born to mothers using opioids had:
• A 72% higher chance of dying.
• Were 2.8 times more likely to need intensive care.

Barriers to Treatment

Experts say that addiction medicine should be a key part of pregnancy care. However, many pregnant women face barriers when trying to get help.

• In Oregon, for example, only 1 in 4 residential treatment programs offer care for pregnant women.
• Some counties don't even have obstetric or addiction care resources.

The Importance of Early Intervention

Early intervention can make a big difference. If doctors know early on that a woman is using opioids, they can provide personalized care. This can improve outcomes for both the mother and the baby.