What is a major risk associated with opioid use during pregnancy?

Opioid use during pregnancy poses significant risks for both the mother and the developing fetus, with neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS) being a major concern. NAS refers to a group of withdrawal symptoms that can occur in newborns exposed to opioids in utero. When a pregnant woman uses opioids, the substances cross the placenta, leading to the fetus developing a dependence on these drugs. After birth, when the newborn no longer receives the opioids they were used to, they may exhibit various symptoms such as irritability, feeding difficulties, and tremors.

The recognition of NAS is paramount for healthcare providers as it requires careful monitoring and management immediately after birth to mitigate the effects on the newborn. Therefore, the association between opioid use during pregnancy and the risk of NAS highlights the critical need for healthcare practitioners, including midwives, to understand the implications of opioid exposure and advocate for appropriate care and interventions during pregnancy and after delivery.