Reviewing the Evidence on Prenatal Opioid Exposure to Inform Child Development Policy and Practice

Abstract

Prenatal opioid use is increasingly common and can have adverse impacts on maternal and child health. In Ontario, there are no clear guidelines or universal programs to support the healthy development of children with prenatal opioid exposure. We present the epidemiology of prenatal opioid exposure in Ontario, summarize research examining child health outcomes with a focus on child development, review emerging guidelines for child health and developmental surveillance and highlight promising programs. We emphasize the need to strengthen current Canadian recommendations for routine enhanced developmental and vision screening and ensure funding for evidence-based integrated maternal/child services.

Prenatal opioid exposure and well-child care in the first 2 years of life: population-based cohort study

“…Opioid use in pregnancy is increasingly common in North America,1 2 with opioids dispensed in 14%–22% of pregnancies in the USA and 4%–7% in Canada 3–7. Accumulating evidence suggests prenatal opioid exposure (POE) is associated with adverse developmental health, with impairment varying by type of POE, and biological and socioenvironmental factors 8 9. These factors are compounded by barriers to healthcare, including discrimination, fear of child welfare involvement and lack of a regular primary care provider, which may result in limited interaction with the healthcare system and lower rates of preventive care for children 10 11…”