Harmful effects of opioid use in pregnancy: A scientific review commissioned by the European Board and College of obstetrics and gynaecology (EBCOG)

Abstract

Caring for pregnant women who have a recreational opioid use disorder is a common clinical challenge in modern obstetric care. These are an elusive population who often have multiple social issues that complicate their pregnancy management. Comprehensive and supportive maternal care can motivate these mothers to change her lifestyle. Multidisciplinary non-judgemental approach with appropriate medication and management, can result in good pregnancy outcomes for mother and her baby.

Keywords: Buprenorphine Maintenance Treatment; Methadone Maintenance Treatment; Neonatal abstinence syndrome; Opiate recreational use; Opiate-related neonatal complications; Pregnancy.