Public health officials with the Tulsa Health Department's substance abuse program along with the Coalition Against Prescription and Substance Abuse of Tulsa are encouraging prescription drug safety among those who are pregnant or may become pregnant in observance of National Birth Defects Awareness Month.
The use of opioids during pregnancy can affect people and their babies.
Pregnant people may use opioids as prescribed, may misuse prescription opioids, or may use illicit opioids such as heroin.
THD says it's important for people to be aware of the possible risks of opioid use during pregnancy, as well as treatment options including medications for opioid use disorder.
“It’s important to talk to your doctor about any medications you are taking, whether they have been prescribed to you or not,” said THD Substance Abuse Prevention Coordinator Matthew Condley. “Your provider can develop a treatment plan that can help increase the chances of a healthy pregnancy.”
The U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention says opioid use disorder among pregnant women is a significant public health concern in the nation.
The number of pregnant women with opioid use disorder at labor and delivery more than quadrupled from 1999 to 2014.
“Opioid use disorder during pregnancy has been linked to neonatal abstinence syndrome in some newborns, which is a group of conditions that can occur when newborns withdraw from certain substances they were exposed to before birth,” said Condley. “It is very important to tell your nurse and your baby’s doctors about all medicines and drugs used during your pregnancy.”
Pregnant people who develop a substance abuse disorder often experience additional stigma as their use has the potential to cause fetal harm, according to the THD.
Due to the extreme stigma that pregnant and parenting women with substance abuse disorders experience, a significant majority fear detection of their substance use, especially at the time of delivery, leading to child removal.
To avoid this detection, THD says women often socially isolate during pregnancy, deny being pregnant, and avoid seeking medical care.
The Oklahoma Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome Project at the National Center for Wellness & Recovery at Oklahoma State University Center for Health Sciences is using many tools and approaches to educate family members, caregivers, healthcare providers, child welfare and criminal justice professionals, and the public to increase understanding of substance use disorders.
“It’s important for people to know they do not have to face their struggles alone, and there are resources to help,” said Condley.
The National Maternal Mental Health Hotline provides free, 24/7, confidential support, resources, and referrals to pregnant and postpartum mothers facing challenges.
The hotline can be called or texted at 1-833-943-5746.