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Opioid Use During Pregnancy Among Individuals With Disabilities
Andi Camden1, Susan B Brogly2, Tara Gomes3
1Department of Health & Society, University of Toronto Scarborough, Toronto, Canada; Edwin SH Leong Centre for Healthy Children, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada; ICES, Toronto, Canada.
American Journal of Preventive Medicine
|April 12, 2026
Summary
Opioid use during pregnancy is higher for individuals with disabilities, with longer duration and higher doses. Enhanced preconception care and non-pharmacologic pain management are recommended for this population.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Health
- Disability Studies
- Pharmacoepidemiology
Background:
- Opioid use during pregnancy presents risks to both parent and child.
- Understanding prevalence and trends in opioid use among pregnant individuals with disabilities is crucial.
- Disparities in healthcare access and pain management may influence opioid use patterns.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence and time trends of opioid use during pregnancy.
- To analyze patterns of opioid use before and during pregnancy in individuals with and without disabilities.
- To identify specific disability groups with higher opioid use during pregnancy.
Main Methods:
- Population-based cohort study in Ontario, Canada (2013-2021).
- Included pregnancies of individuals with physical, sensory, intellectual/developmental, and multiple disabilities, and those without disabilities.
- Estimated prevalence, time trends, and described patterns of opioid use by type, timing, duration, and dose.
Main Results:
- Opioid use during pregnancy was more common in individuals with multiple (10.5%), intellectual/developmental (8.9%), and physical disabilities (8.3%) compared to those without (3.9%).
- Prevalence decreased from 2013-2021 across all groups, but remained higher for those with disabilities.
- Opioid use duration and dosage were higher in individuals with disabilities.
Conclusions:
- Maternal disability is linked to increased opioid use, longer duration, and higher dosages during pregnancy.
- Individuals with disabilities may benefit from improved preconception care, including medication counseling.
- Non-pharmacologic pain management strategies should be prioritized for pregnant individuals with disabilities.
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