Use of Opioid-Sparing Protocols and Perceived Postpartum Pain in Patients with Opioid Use Disorder and Chronic Prenatal Opioid Exposure

DiscussionPostpartum opioid prescribing for patients with chronic prenatal opioid use was low for vaginal and cesarean birth following implementation of an opioid-sparing protocol. Patients with OUD reported good pain management with opioid-sparing pain regimens; however, many reported poorly controlled pain immediately postpartum. Future work should assess approaches to postpartum pain management that minimize the risks of opioid medication —particularly in at-risk groups.
Source: Maternal and Child Health Journal - Category: Health Management Source Type: research