The number of overdose deaths among pregnant and postpartum women has tripled in the past three years, according to a new analysis of official data.
According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the overdose rate among women aged 35 to 44 increased from 4.9 per 100,000 in 2018 to 15.8 in 2021.
Researchers at the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) analyzed data on more than 17,000 deaths, including women who were pregnant or had been pregnant in the past year.
Many factors are believed to play a role in the increase in overdose deaths, including social isolation due to the Covid pandemic and a reduction in prenatal and postpartum care in the US.
Data from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) shows that the overdose rate among women aged 35 to 44 increased from 4.9 per 100,000 in 2018 to 15.8 in 2021.
Most pregnancy-related overdose deaths involved opioids, primarily fentanyl.
Most cases also occurred outside healthcare settings, suggesting that women need better support during and after pregnancy, especially those vulnerable to substance abuse.
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Researchers also found a significant increase in overdose deaths among pregnant or postpartum black women.
Chelsea Shover, an epidemiologist and assistant professor at the University of California, Los Angeles School of Medicine, told the Washington Post: “For many pregnant and postpartum people, disclosing drug use can lead to their child being taken away from them. .” a lot of stigmatization.’
Pregnant women should be encouraged to seek treatment without fear of legal action, says Emily Einstein, head of NIDA’s science policy division and co-author of the study.
“The stigmatization and punishment of women with substance abuse makes it very difficult for them to seek help for substance use and receive routine prenatal care.
“Effective treatments and medical services exist – full access is needed to help mothers and children survive,” she added.
Previous research has shown that women are less likely to get an appointment at an addiction counseling center and have difficulty obtaining child care at treatment centers.
Many states can also punish women for drug abuse with fines, loss of custody of their children, and prison terms.
Total overdoses rose sharply during the pandemic for similar reasons of isolation and limited access to treatment.
Figures show that nearly 10,000 Americans still die each month from drug overdoses.
An update from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found that there were as many as 109,940 drug overdose deaths in the year ending in February 2023, which the agency said was likely “an underestimate.”
That equates to 9,161 deaths a month, and experts have warned that almost every day it crashes and burns like a plane full of Americans.
Fentanyl was the most common cause of death, accounting for about eight out of ten cases. Methamphetamine, cocaine, and prescription opioids followed.
For more information about substance abuse and mental health treatment programs in your area, call the toll-free and confidential National Helpline (link is external) 1-800-662-HELP (4357) or visit www.FindTreatment.gov (link is external) . ).
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Crystal Leahy is an author and health journalist who writes for The Fashion Vibes. With a background in health and wellness, Crystal has a passion for helping people live their best lives through healthy habits and lifestyles.