Substance Use During Pregnancy

Key points

  • Substance use during pregnancy can affect mothers and their babies.
  • Be aware of the possible risks of opioid use during pregnancy, as well as treatment options including medications for opioid use disorder.
  • Talk to your doctor about your substance use if you are pregnant or are thinking of becoming pregnant.
Pregnant woman speaks with a healthcare professional.

Overview

Opioid use during pregnancy can affect mothers and their babies. Opioids prescribed by a doctor may be used during pregnancy to manage pain. Additionally, some pregnant woman misuse prescription opioids, or use illegal opioids such as heroin and fentanyl. Nonmedical use of prescription medications can lead to an increased risk of adverse health outcomes and overdose. Combining substances, such as opioids with benzodiazepines or opioids with alcohol, can also increase the risk of drug overdose.

Polysubstance use occurs when two or more drugs are taken together, either intentionally or unintentionally. More research is needed to understand the possible effects from exposure to multiple substances during pregnancy. Substance use during pregnancy can have various effects on a developing baby.

Know the risks, get help.

It is important to be aware of the possible risks of substance use during pregnancy as well as treatment options. If you need help for substance use, talk with your healthcare provider.
Visit FindTreatment.gov to find help in your area.

Opioid use disorder and treatment

Opioid use disorder (OUD), sometimes referred to as opioid addiction, is a problematic pattern of opioid use that causes significant impairment or distress. Medication for opioid use disorder (MOUD) refers to the use of medication to treat opioid use disorder. Taking MOUD as prescribed during pregnancy has benefits that outweigh the risks.

It is beneficial to work together with your doctor to manage your health, including substance use, during pregnancy and after delivery. Consult your physician before stopping or changing any prescribed medication.

Health outcomes from exposure during pregnancy

Opioid exposure during pregnancy has been linked to poor health for both mothers and babies. OUD has been linked to

The effects of opioid exposure during pregnancy on children over time are largely unknown. More research is needed to better understand the possible long-term outcomes related to opioid exposure during pregnancy.

Neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS)

Opioid use during pregnancy can lead to neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS) in some newborns. NAS is a group of conditions that can occur when newborns withdraw from certain substances, including opioids, that they were exposed to before birth.

Signs of withdrawal usually begin within 72 hours after birth and may include the following:

  • Tremors (trembling) or seizures
  • Sleep problems or irritability, including excessive or high-pitched crying
  • Hyperactive reflexes
  • Yawning, stuffy nose, or sneezing
  • Poor feeding and sucking
  • Loose stools and dehydration or vomiting
  • Increased sweating

The symptoms a newborn might experience, and how severe the signs will be, depend on different factors. Some factors include the type and amount of substance the newborn was exposed to before birth, the last time a substance was used, whether the baby is born full-term or premature, and if the newborn was exposed to other substances (for example, alcohol5, tobacco567, other medications)5678 before birth.


Talk to your doctor

Talk to your doctor about your substance use and before starting or stopping prescription opioids or opioid use disorder medications. This will help you understand all the risks and make the safest choice.

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Content Source:
National Center for Injury Prevention and Control
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