Abstract
Objective
This study describes the experience of pregnancy and childbirth from the perspective
of women with opioid use disorder.
Methods
This qualitative study analyzed semi-structured interviews about the prenatal care
and birth experience of nine women with opioid use disorder as a sub-analysis of a
qualitative study of women with a history of sexual trauma. Transcripts were analyzed
using inductive content analysis.
Results
Analysis revealed unique interactions with the healthcare system specific to pregnant
women with opioid use disorder. Participants identified pregnancy as a reason to enter
and maintain recovery and an increased availability of resources when pregnant. Yet
during labor and birth, concerns regarding pain control, child protective services
involvement and provider stigma led to negative interactions with the healthcare system.
Conclusion
Pregnant woman with opioid use disorder face unique challenges when seeking care.
The perspectives of women with a history of opioid use disorder can inform creation
of a harm reduction, non-stigmatizing model of prenatal, labor and birth, and postpartum
care.
Keywords
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: January 24, 2020
Accepted:
January 8,
2020
Received in revised form:
December 18,
2019
Received:
September 29,
2019
Identification
Copyright
© 2020 Australian College of Midwives. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
