Elevated Opioid Use During Pregnancy in New Zealand: A Growing Concern

Recent research highlights that New Zealand ranks third among high-income countries for prescribed opioid use during pregnancy, with almost 8% of pregnancies exposed to opioids. This rate is notably higher than in several other nations, such as Canada and the UK. The study, led by the University of New South Wales and published in the journal Anesthesiology, analyzed prescription data from over 20 million pregnancies worldwide, spanning from 2000 to 2020.

The investigation utilized anonymized prescription records from countries including Australia, New Zealand, Canada, the US, and European nations, revealing that opioid use remained stable or declined slightly in most countries over the two decades. The highest consumption was observed in the United States, while the United Kingdom had the lowest rates. Among the opioids most commonly used were codeine and tramadol.

Interestingly, opioid use was more prevalent during late pregnancy and among women with lower income levels and higher body mass index. Furthermore, the study noted an overall increase in prescription medication use during pregnancy over the 20-year period, possibly linked to an aging pregnant population with more medical conditions requiring treatment.

Dr. Sarah Donald from the University of Otago emphasized that these findings raise important questions about current guidelines and practices surrounding opioid prescription during pregnancy. She and her colleagues highlighted that, although 80% of pregnant women using opioids received only a single prescription, potential risks remain significant.

Professor Lianne Parkin added that opioids can cross the placenta, exposing the fetus to risks associated with early exposure, such as congenital malformations, preterm birth, low birth weight, neonatal breathing difficulties, withdrawal symptoms, and longer-term neurodevelopmental issues. These findings underscore the importance of carefully evaluating the necessity of opioid use during pregnancy and exploring safer pain management alternatives.

This comprehensive study underscores the need for ongoing review of prescribing practices and underscores the importance of balancing effective pain relief with potential risks to both mother and child.

Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-05-high-opioid-nz-pregnancies.html