Overdose Deaths Increased in Postpartum Women from 2018 to 2021

A report published last week in JAMA Psychiatry revealed changing patterns in overdose deaths among postpartum women. The study — funded by the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), a part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) — found a significant increase in postpartum overdose deaths among specific subgroups.

The cross-sectional study analyzed data from over 17,000 deaths in women and girls aged 10–44 who died between 2018 and 2021. The data include pregnant and postpartum overdose deaths, obstetric deaths, and nonpregnant overdose deaths.

Across all demographics, the overall rate of pregnancy-associated overdose mortality increased between 2018 and 2021.

However, the researchers noted that the most tremendous change was among pregnant and postpartum women between 35 and 44. According to the report, in 2018, the rate of overdose deaths among pregnant and postpartum women between 35 and 44 was 4.9 deaths per 100,000 mothers. By 2021, the number had increased by over three times, reaching 15.9 deaths per 100,000 mothers.

Despite a more significant increase among this age group, the study revealed that more of the total pregnant overdose deaths were in women and girls 10–34 years old.

Beyond insight into age, researchers noted that 60–73% of pregnant and postpartum overdose mortalities occurred at home or in non-healthcare settings. This finding supported the idea that barriers to care and a lack of treatment may contribute to these increased rates.

Many patients were located in areas with available drug use and postpartum medical services; however, researchers postulate that stigma and other factors may deter women from seeking help.

“These results reflect the persistent national overdose crisis and demonstrate that pregnancy is an urgent time for interventions that can reduce the risk of overdose,” said Emily Einstein, PhD, NIDA Science Policy Branch Chief, and study co-author, in the press release. “Stigmatizing and penalizing women with substance use disorders makes it very hard for them to seek help for drug use and receive routine prenatal care. Effective treatments and medical services exist – unfettered access is needed to help mothers and children survive.”