A new study by the University of Dundee reveals critical gaps in our understanding of the impact of opioid use during pregnancy on children’s development. Led by Dr Louise Marryat at the University’s School of Health Sciences, the research sheds light on a pressing need for further investigation, particularly concerning long-term developmental challenges in children exposed to opioids in the womb.

The Role of Opioids in Pregnancy

Fentanyl, heroin, and prescribed painkillers, widely known for their medical applications, pose grave risks when misused. Dr Marryat estimates that opioid exposure during pregnancy affects approximately 1 in 100 children in Scotland. This startling figure is comparable to the proportion of children in Scotland diagnosed with autism, based on NHS data.

Yet, despite its prevalence, research into the opioid pregnancy impact remains sparse, leaving healthcare providers with limited information on how this exposure affects childhood outcomes.

Uncovering the Gaps in Research

The team at Dundee University conducted an umbrella study involving 478 research papers to explore potential links between opioids in pregnancy and developmental outcomes in children. While some findings suggest exposure affects language, motor skills, and even visual development, the results highlight more questions than answers.

Dr Marryat explained, “The gaps we uncovered may be the most critical aspect of this research. We still don’t know enough to determine whether developmental difficulties are a direct result of opioid exposure in the womb or influenced by postnatal environmental factors.”

Researchers urgently need to conduct long-term, comprehensive studies to determine how these children progress beyond early childhood and establish more concrete connections between exposure and overall development.

Battling Stigma for Better Understanding

A significant obstacle in studying opioid pregnancy impact is the social stigma associated with opioid use. Many pregnant women who use opioids, Dr Marryat noted, fear discrimination or even the removal of their children from care.

“Women who use opioids in pregnancy overwhelmingly want the best for their child,” Dr Marryat explained. “However, the focus during pregnancy tends to be on delivering a healthy baby rather than looking ahead to the child’s long-term outcomes. Mothers need access to informed, compassionate care that supports them and their child’s needs.”

Breaking down these barriers is crucial. If families feel more comfortable engaging with medical support services, it becomes easier to gather the data needed to close research gaps and develop effective interventions.

The Need for Better Support Systems

Dr Marryat emphasised that improving support systems for families affected by opioid use during pregnancy is essential. “We have a very strong tradition of health visiting in the UK, but these services are under-resourced. Many families impacted by opioid use find it particularly challenging to engage with support services due to stigma or a mistrust of the system,” she said.

This highlights the importance of creating accessible pathways to support families. Parents and healthcare providers must collaborate to meet children’s needs while maintaining an environment of compassion and respect.

Why Long-Term Studies Are Key

The Dundee study argued that the most reliable way to identify the impacts of opioid exposure is through long-term research. By following affected children from birth into later stages of life, it becomes possible to discern whether observed developmental difficulties are due to opioid use, environmental factors, or both.

Dr Marryat commented, “If we’re noticing behavioural challenges in children, we don’t yet know whether this is directly tied to brain changes caused by opioid exposure in pregnancy or influenced by their upbringing and environment post-birth.”

Further long-term studies will also better equip doctors, policymakers, and families with the knowledge to take pre-emptive action for children’s development. Understanding these impacts can help create targeted healthcare strategies and inform government policy for better outcomes.

Moving Towards a Holistic Approach

Improving our knowledge of opioid pregnancy impact isn’t just about better treatment; it’s about transforming how society approaches the issue. Initiatives should focus not only on collecting better data but also on ensuring that pregnant women feel empowered to seek help without fear of stigma or judgement.

“We need healthcare providers, governments, and parents to have access to the best information possible so that no child misses out on the chance for a better future,” concluded Dr Marryat.

Source: Study calls for more research into effects of opioids during pregnancyhe Herald