A recent study conducted by the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) at the National Institutes of Health has brought attention to a significant increase in drug overdose deaths among pregnant and postpartum women. The study, spanning from January to June 2018 to July to December 2021, reveals a concerning trend, particularly in the 10- to 44-year-old age group. Overdose mortality more than tripled among those aged 35 to 44 during this period, emphasizing the urgency of addressing barriers to care faced by pregnant women with substance use disorders.Â
One notable aspect of the study is the revelation that over 60% of pregnancy-associated overdose deaths occurred outside healthcare settings. This finding underscores potential obstacles such as stigma, discrimination, and limited socioeconomic resources that may hinder access to life-saving treatment. Stigmatizing policies and societal judgments were identified as significant factors preventing pregnant individuals from seeking evidence-based treatment and support.Â
Despite the well-documented sharp increase in overdose mortality associated with the COVID-19 pandemic, little was known about the specific impact on pregnancy-associated overdose mortality. The study aimed to fill this knowledge gap by analyzing U.S. data on multiple causes of death, health resources, and births before and during the pandemic. Three groups were the focus: pregnant and postpartum individuals who died from a drug overdose, those who died of obstetric causes, and those who died from a drug overdose but were not pregnant in the past 12 months.Â
The findings revealed a substantial rise in overdose mortality ratios across various demographics, including age, racial/ethnic background, educational attainment, and marital status. The most significant increase was observed in pregnant and postpartum women aged 35 to 44, with overdose mortality ratios tripling from 4.9 in the 2018 period to 15.8 in the 2021 period. Additionally, overdose mortality ratios nearly doubled for individuals aged 10 to 44 who died between 43 days and one year after pregnancy.Â
Comparisons between those who died from a drug overdose during pregnancy and those who died of obstetric causes highlighted distinct differences. Pregnant individuals succumbing to a drug overdose were more likely to be aged 10 to 34, non-college graduates, unmarried, and to die in non-home, non-healthcare settings. Surprisingly, a significant percentage (60% to 73%) of pregnant and postpartum women who died from an overdose were at home or other non-healthcare locations.Â
The study uncovered another surprising aspect: overdose deaths among pregnant and postpartum women often occurred in areas with available medical services that may not have been accessed. Pregnant and postpartum women who died from an overdose were more likely to reside in counties with doctors practicing obstetrics and gynecology ranking within the 48 to 75th percentile among U.S. counties.Â
The study emphasizes the crucial need for interventions during pregnancy to reduce the risk of overdose and underscores the importance of unfettered access to effective treatments and medical services. However, previous research has demonstrated that pregnant women with substance use disorders encounter numerous barriers, including challenges in obtaining appointments at addiction treatment centers, difficulties accessing child care at treatment facilities, and punitive policies in many states.Â
Stigmatization and penalties for substance use during pregnancy contribute to difficulties in seeking help and receiving routine prenatal care. The study calls for comprehensive efforts to address these challenges and emphasizes the urgent need for interventions during pregnancy to mitigate the risk of overdose. Efforts to destigmatize addiction, reduce punitive policies, and ensure unfettered access to evidence-based treatment are deemed crucial in safeguarding the health of pregnant individuals and their children.Â
The study sheds light on the alarming rise in drug overdose deaths among pregnant and postpartum women, highlighting the disparities and challenges they face in accessing care. The findings underscore the urgent need for comprehensive interventions and support during pregnancy to address the complex factors contributing to the risk of overdose mortality. Efforts to destigmatize addiction and ensure unhindered access to evidence-based treatment are deemed paramount in safeguarding the health and well-being of pregnant individuals and their children.Â
News Reference Â
National Institue of Health, Overdose deaths increased in pregnant and postpartum women from early 2018 to late 2021, https://www.nih.gov/news-events/news-releases/overdose-deaths-increased-pregnant-postpartum-women-early-2018-late-2021. Â
