Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa): A Case Review of Use Before and During Pregnancy

Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa) is a plant-based substance with psychoactive properties similar to opioids but is not currently classified as an opioid. One of its more prevalent uses is to treat opioid dependency and withdrawal symptoms. Opioid use disorder is a leading cause of pregnancy-associated maternal mortality, and pregnant women may be using kratom as a substitute or alternative to opioids. Prevalence of kratom use is increasing rapidly, but scientific evidence specific to therapeutic and adverse effects is lacking overall, and the implications of its use in pregnancy and on the fetus-newborn are limited to a few case reports. Kratom is a legal substance by federal law, although some states have banned its use. The lack of regulation is concerning. Significant illness and associated deaths have been reported with kratom use. Lack of disclosure by people using kratom and limited laboratory testing options are major challenges for health care providers and public health.