Care for Persons with Opioid Use and Opioid Use Disorder during the Pregnancy and Perinatal Period

Course overview

This training video, developed in collaboration with the Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (OhioMHAS), provides an evidence-based overview of caring for individuals with Opioid Use Disorder (OUD) during pregnancy and the perinatal period. Designed for primary care providers (PCPs), emergency department (ED) clinicians, and OB/GYN professionals, the training addresses national trends in opioid use among pregnant populations and offers practical guidance on prenatal care and OUD treatment in accordance with current clinical guidelines. The video highlights critical considerations during labor and delivery, outlines best practices for postpartum care of both the individual and the dyad, and emphasizes the elevated risk of unintentional overdose in the perinatal period. It also explores harm reduction strategies tailored to this population and underscores the importance of reducing stigma in clinical settings. This training aims to enhance provider competence, compassion, and confidence in delivering holistic, equitable care to pregnant and parenting individuals affected by OUD.