Exclusive Interview with the Researcher: Meredith Matone on Opioids & Postpartum Maternal Health

Exclusive Interview

New NIHCM-funded research, published in Obstetrics & Gynecology, found that women who received opioids around childbirth (7 days before delivery to 8 weeks after delivery) had an increased likelihood of continuing to use them after childbirth. Overall, 25% of women filled an opioid prescription around childbirth, and 5.7% continued use of opioids postpartum. Learn more in this exclusive interview with lead author, Dr. Meredith Matone: 

Q: What surprised you the most about your findings?

A: Most surprising was the strength of the association between childbirth-related opioid prescribing and persistent postpartum opioid use, even among people with no prior opioid use or pain conditions. Although persistent opioid use after surgical pain management is well documented, this risk has received less attention in childbirth, despite how commonly opioids are used. In our study, more than 1 in 20 birthing people transitioned to persistent opioid use, highlighting childbirth as an underrecognized pathway into long-term opioid use.

Q: What are the biggest takeaways for health care leaders, care providers, and expectant parents?

A: Persistent postpartum opioid use is not rare, and childbirth opioid exposure meaningfully increases that risk. Health systems should prioritize equitable postpartum pain management and reduce unnecessary opioid exposure. Just as importantly, robust coordinated postpartum care models that bridge from obstetric to primary care, behavioral health, and community supports are essential to avoid missed pain and mental health needs. For expectant parents, supportive workforces such as doulas and maternal and infant home visiting programs can help navigate care and connect to services. For all of us, a paradigm shift that recognizes the postpartum period as extending well beyond 8 weeks is needed to create the demand, incentives, and accountability for innovative, whole-person care delivery approaches.