However, it is well-documented that substance use disorders and overdose deaths can have significant impacts on maternal and fetal health.
Opioid use, in particular, has been a concern, with increases in opioid-related deaths in various populations, including pregnant and postpartum women. Opioid use during pregnancy can lead to complications such as neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS) in newborns. NAS occurs when a baby is exposed to opioids in the womb and experiences withdrawal symptoms after birth.
Public health agencies and healthcare providers have been working to address the opioid epidemic and its impact on maternal and child health. Efforts include improved screening and treatment for substance use disorders during pregnancy, increased access to prenatal care, and support for women in recovery.
To obtain the most recent and accurate information on this topic, I recommend checking the latest reports and publications from health agencies, such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) or the World Health Organization (WHO), as well as recent scientific literature. News sources and medical journals may also provide updates on trends and efforts to address drug overdose deaths among pregnant women and postpartum.
Shervan K Shahhian
LIBERTY PSYCHOLOGICAL ASSOCIATION 