Opioid use during pregnancy can be prescribed, misused, illicit or opioids used as medication-assisted treatment. Even though opioids are prescribed to treat pain there are still possible risks that pregnant women should be aware of. The CDC reported, 7% of women were using prescription opioid pain relievers during pregnancy in 2019. Of those 7% 1 in 5 reported misuse of the pain relievers.
Risk Factors
- Opioid use during pregnancy has many health effects for the mother and baby:
- Maternal death
- Neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS)
- Poor fetal growth
- Preterm labor
- Birth defects
- Stillbirth
Pregnancy and Opioid Use
- Talk to your prenatal care provider and make them aware of what you are taking. Ask about safer alternatives during pregnancy.
- Don’t stop taking the opioids until you talk with your prenatal care provider. Quitting abruptly can cause severe withdrawal symptoms that can harm you and your baby.
- Make sure your provider knows that your delivery plan includes a baby with NAS.
- If you are addicted to opioids get help right away.
- For more information on opioid use during pregnancy and treatments CDC Opioid & Pregnancy.
- The Illinois Department of Public Health has extensive opioid treatment centers categorized by county. Visit, IDPH- Treatment Resources. The list services pregnant women with Medicaid. Find your county and the best center for you.