Association of Mental Health Conditions, Recent Stressful Life Events, and Adverse Childhood Experiences with Postpartum Substance Use
Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System respondents in seven states (Kentucky, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Missouri, Pennsylvania, Utah, West Virginia) with high opioid overdose mortality rates were recontacted 9-10 months after giving birth in 2019 and asked about postpartum prescription opioid misuse, tobacco use, unhealthy alcohol use, and use of other substances.
Postpartum substance use was defined as the misuse of opioid pain relievers, unhealthy alcohol use, or any use of tobacco or other substances since giving birth.
- 25.6% reported postpartum substance use
- 5.9% reported polysubstance use
- Substance use was higher among women who experienced six or more stressful life events during the year preceding birth (67.1%)
- Substance use was higher among women who experienced four adverse childhood experiences related to household dysfunction (57.9%)
- 20% of respondents who experienced six or more stressful life events in the year preceding birth and 26.3% who had four adverse childhood experiences reported postpartum polysubstance use
Stewart, A., et al. (2023). Association of Mental Health Conditions, Recent Stressful Life Events, and Adverse Childhood Experiences with Postpartum Substance Use - Seven States, 2019-2020. Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, 72(16): 416-420. https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/72/wr/mm7216a1.htm?s_cid=mm7216a1_w