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Opioid Use and Misuse in Pregnancy
1Department of Anesthesiology, Emory University Hospital Midtown, 550 Peachtree Street Northeast, Atlanta, GA 30308, USA.
Clinics in Perinatology
|November 6, 2020
Summary
Opioid use disorder in pregnant women is rising, leading to serious complications for both mother and baby. Educating patients and tailoring pain management are key to addressing this public health crisis.
Area of Science:
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Addiction Medicine
- Public Health
Background:
- The incidence of opioid use disorder (OUD) among pregnant individuals has dramatically increased over the last two decades.
- This rise mirrors the trend observed in the general population, highlighting a significant public health concern.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the complications associated with opioid use during pregnancy.
- To explore potential strategies for mitigating the impact of OUD on maternal and infant health outcomes.
Main Methods:
- This review synthesizes existing literature on OUD in pregnancy.
- It examines the spectrum of adverse outcomes and discusses current and proposed management approaches.
Main Results:
- Pregnancies complicated by opioid use exhibit substantially elevated rates of neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome (NOWS), intrauterine growth restriction, neural tube defects, and stillbirth.
- Maternal risks include increased mortality, heightened postpartum pain, and prolonged hospitalizations.
Conclusions:
- Effective patient education regarding the risks and benefits of multimodal analgesia is crucial.
- Empowering shared decision-making and individualizing pain management strategies are essential to combat the opioid epidemic in pregnant populations.
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