Substance Use and Toxicity Deaths in Pregnancy

To synthesize literature on the epidemiology of substance use in pregnancy, characteristics and risk factors associated with drug toxicity in pregnancy, and treatment of substance use in pregnancy.

We performed a narrative literature review. We searched PubMed, Google Scholar, and Google from inception to February 2024 using keywords and MeSH terms related to substance use, toxicity, risk factors, and pregnancy. We included English-language studies and focused on the most recent, Canadian studies (where available).

First, we described the epidemiology of substance use in pregnancy, highlighted groups at disproportionately higher risk, reviewed drug toxicity contribution to perinatal deaths, risk factors for drug toxicity in pregnancy, treatment for substance use disorders in pregnancy, neonatal abstinence syndrome, and identified gaps in knowledge. Key findings include that rates of substance use in pregnancy have increased substantially over the past 2 decades in Canada. Drug toxicity in pregnancy is increasingly common, with nearly 1 in 4 pregnancy-associated deaths involving substance use. Opioids are involved in the majority of pregnancy-associated drug toxicity events; however, opioid use combined with stimulant and benzodiazepine use is increasing.

Comprehensive, individualized, and trauma-informed care is needed to address the complex health and social needs of people with substance use in pregnancy and their children.