Risk factors of overdose in maternal patients with opioid use disorder: a scoping review

Background: Opioid-related overdoses significantly contribute to mortality in pregnancy and the postpartum period. Few studies report risk factors predisposing pregnant and postpartum patients with opioid use disorder (OUD) to overdose. Objective: This scoping review aims to describe the risk factors predisposing pregnant and postpartum patients with OUD to overdose. Method: Included studies identified pregnant and/or postpartum patients with OUD and differentiated between those who experienced overdose and those who did not. Of the 1060 articles, 8 met the criteria, examining 90,860 pregnant and postpartum patients with OUD. Results: Consistent use of medications for OUD (MOUD) during pregnancy and the postpartum period was the most frequently identified factor reducing overdose risk. Critical times of heightened overdose risk include the first trimester and the 7–12-month postpartum period. Pregnancy complications, such as stillbirth, severe maternal morbidity, preterm birth, and cesarean delivery, also increase risk. Opioid overdose is associated with being houseless, incarcerated, young, unmarried, publicly insured, not graduating high school, co-occurring substance use disorders, and inadequate prenatal care. Legislative changes, such as not classifying OUD in pregnancy as “child abuse” and increasing Medicaid reimbursement for Screening, Brief Intervention, and Referral to Treatment programs, are crucial to reducing risk. The impact of race and the influence of co-occurring psychiatric disorders was inconsistently reported. Conclusion: This scoping review identifies significant risk factors for opioid overdose in pregnant and postpartum patients. Improving access through enhanced Medicaid reimbursement, non-punitive reporting policies, and non-stigmatized care are keys to reducing overdose.