Polysubstance Use in Pregnancy: Surveillance, Interventions, and Next Steps

J Womens Health (Larchmt). 2023 Sep;32(9):899-904. doi: 10.1089/jwh.2023.0341. Epub 2023 Aug 8.

Abstract

Substance use during pregnancy increases risk for a wide range of adverse maternal and neonatal health outcomes. Polysubstance use is common among people who use substances during pregnancy; however, the risks of combined substance exposures during pregnancy are poorly understood. In this report, we provide an overview of the activities of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and partners and identified gaps related to (1) surveillance, (2) routine screening, and (3) prevention of polysubstance use during pregnancy. Efforts by CDC and other partners to reduce polysubstance use during pregnancy can improve the health of pregnant people and their infants and children.

Keywords: alcohol; opioids; polysubstance use; pregnancy; prenatal substance exposure; smoking.

Publication types

  • Review
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, U.S.
  • Child
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Pregnancy
  • Substance-Related Disorders* / epidemiology
  • United States