Prescription Opioid Use & Abuse

Approximately 15 to 20 percent of pregnant women will be prescribed an opioid (pain) medication during pregnancy and there has been a 4-fold increase in the chronic (daily) use of prescription opioid medication during pregnancy in the past decade. There are maternal, fetal, and newborn risks associated with prescription opioid use during pregnancy. These risks need to be carefully weighed against the benefits of these medications and the risks associated with not taking these medications. Our clinic provides a comprehensive assessment of pain, functioning and medication evaluation and assists women in their decision to continue or discontinue opioid medication during pregnancy. We provide alternative pain management strategies for pregnant women and can assist in the slow tapering of opioid medications during pregnancy in collaboration with your obstetrics provider.