During the last decade, almost 50% of new mothers in the U.S. were prescribed opioids before or after delivery, according to results of a new study.
The study also found that 1 in 75 new mothers were still taking opioids 1 year later. This was more common among those who received opiates before birth, but particularly in those who received the highest initial doses.
Another important finding was that the likelihood of receiving an opioid prescription was higher among those women who had undergone a C-section (75%) compared with a vaginal delivery (25%).
