At a Glance
> At a Glance
> – Opioid use disorder among pregnant women in California more than doubled from 0.14 % in 2008 to 0.33 % in 2020.
> – Higher rates linked to increased maternal hypertension, severe complications, and infant mortality.
> – The study, published in Journal of Addiction Medicine, highlights a growing public health risk.
> – Why it matters: These findings signal rising danger for expectant mothers and newborns, urging targeted care and policy action.
Researchers at Oregon Health & Science University analyzed over 5 million California pregnancy hospital discharges and found a sharp rise in opioid use disorder, with serious health consequences for mothers and newborns.
Rising Opioid Use Among Pregnant Women
The study covered 2008-2020, revealing that the prevalence of opioid use disorder (OUD) among pregnant women increased from 0.14 % to 0.33 %, more than doubling in 12 years.
This trend mirrors the broader opioid crisis but has received less attention in perinatal research.
Women with OUD were more likely to develop hypertension, hemorrhage, and other severe complications, while their infants faced higher risks of preterm birth, neonatal intensive care, and death.
- Higher maternal hypertension rates
- Increased severe complications such as hemorrhage
- Greater infant preterm birth and NICU admissions
Health Outcomes and Care Gaps
OHSU researchers noted that OUD during pregnancy is associated with worse maternal and neonatal morbidity.
> OHSU researchers wrote:
> “In this large, diverse, population-based cohort study, a prenatal opioid-related diagnosis was associated with a significantly increased risk of maternal and neonatal morbidity.”
The authors emphasize that pregnant women with OUD often lack access to treatment, with only one in four residential programs in Oregon offering care for pregnant patients.
- Limited residential treatment options
- Lack of obstetric care in some counties
- Additional barriers for OUD patients
Data Snapshot
| Year | Prevalence | Change |
|---|---|---|
| 2008 | 0.14 % | – |
| 2020 | 0.33 % | +0.19 % |
The table shows the clear upward trend over the 12-year period.
Recommendations and Outlook
The study calls for early linkage to multidisciplinary care.
> Kristin Prewitt said:
> “Evidence shows that linking patients to care earlier improves outcomes. If we’re aware early on that an individual faces these additional risks, we can ensure they receive personalized, multidisciplinary care in the prenatal and postnatal periods, and ultimately when they move onto pediatric care with their child.”
While overall overdose deaths have declined, pregnant women with OUD still need dedicated, comprehensive services to protect both mother and child.
Key Takeaways
- Opioid use disorder among pregnant women more than doubled from 2008 to 2020.
- OUD linked to higher maternal complications and infant mortality.
- Early, multidisciplinary care is essential to improve outcomes.
The rising prevalence of opioid use disorder among pregnant Californians underscores an urgent need for enhanced screening, treatment access, and policy support to safeguard maternal and infant health.
