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Opioid Use in Pregnancy: A Review
Kimberly S Ryan1, Kristin C Prewitt2, Sarena Hayer3
1PGY5, Maternal Fetal Medicine Fellow.
Opioid use during pregnancy and lactation is a growing concern, linked to increased risks for mothers and newborns. Further research is crucial to understand effects and improve care for maternal and fetal health.
Area of Science:
- Perinatal medicine
- Maternal-fetal health
- Public health
Background:
- Opioid use in pregnancy and lactation presents significant public health challenges.
- Associated with increased maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality.
Approach:
- Comprehensive literature search of PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar.
- Keywords included "opioids," "pregnancy," "lactation," and "neonatal abstinence syndrome."
Key Points:
- Opioid exposure linked to higher rates of maternal death, placental insufficiency, preterm birth, and low birth weight.
- Reviewed pharmacotherapy options and prenatal care models for opioid use disorder in pregnancy.
Conclusions:
- Critical need for research on opioid effects and pharmacotherapy during pregnancy.
- Identifying adverse perinatal effects can guide patient education, intervention, and surveillance to mitigate risks.
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