Polysubstance Use in Pregnancy: Surveillance, Interventions, and Next Steps

Substance use during pregnancy increases risk for a wide range of adverse maternal and neonatal health outcomes. Polysubstance use is common among people who use substances during pregnancy; however, the risks of combined substance exposures during pregnancy are poorly understood. In this report, we provide an overview of the activities of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and partners and identified gaps related to (1) surveillance, (2) routine screening, and (3) prevention of polysubstance use during pregnancy. Efforts by CDC and other partners to reduce polysubstance use during pregnancy can improve the health of pregnant people and their infants and children.

Automated summary

Substance use during pregnancy poses risks to both maternal and neonatal health, and multiple substance use is common. However, the effects of combined substance exposures during pregnancy are not well understood. This report discusses the activities of the CDC and partners in surveillance, routine screening, and prevention of polysubstance use during pregnancy, highlighting the need for further research and intervention to improve the health outcomes of pregnant individuals and their children.