Associations between maternal opioid use disorder treatment and pregnancy outcomes.

OBJECTIVE

This study examines associations between opioid use disorder (OUD) treatment and pregnancy outcomes among Medicaid enrollees.

STUDY

DESIGN

Using 2021 Medicaid claims, we identified 29,193 women with OUD and a pregnancy-related outcome receiving (1) Medication Only, (2) Behavioral Therapy Only, (3) Medication and Behavioral Therapy, or (4) No Treatment. Multivariable logistic regression estimated adjusted odds ratios (ORs) for outcomes.

RESULTS

Among pregnant women with OUD, over half (52.5%) received no treatment; 27.9% received medication and therapy, 12.5% received medication only, and 7.0% received therapy only. Any form of treatment was linked to reduced risk of fetal death. Medication, alone or with therapy, was associated with lower risk of preterm labor, and medication alone was linked to reduced risk of abruptio placentae.

CONCLUSION

Receiving treatment for OUD is significantly associated with better pregnancy outcomes. Expanding access to medication for OUD and integrating therapy are crucial for improving maternal health.