A State-wide Study of Childbirth-Related Opioid Exposure and Conversion to Postpartum High-Risk Opioid Use

A significant number of women receive postpartum opioids, including 80- 90% of women who undergo Cesarean and 12% who undergo vaginal delivery, yet little is known about the relationship between opioid exposure at childbirth and future high-risk use. This research team will longitudinally analyze data on opioid prescriptions among a cohort of birthing people to examine transitions to high-risk opioid use in the postpartum year and identify predictors of high-risk use in this period, with a particular focus on the role of childbirth exposure. Findings have the potential to inform quality improvement initiatives related to opioid prescribing and postpartum care management with a goal of contributing to efforts to mitigate opioid-related maternal morbidity and mortality.