Drug overdose deaths among people who are pregnant or recently gave birth rose sharply in the United States between 2018 and 2023, according to a study published July 30, 2026, in Obstetrics & Gynecology. The increase was nearly twice as steep as the rise among other women of reproductive age. Here is what the study found, and where families can turn for help that keeps parents and babies safe.
What the Study Found
Researchers analyzed U.S. death certificates from 2018 to 2023. Death certificates include a checkbox for whether a woman was pregnant or had recently been pregnant, which allowed them to identify pregnancy-associated deaths.
- There were 2,573 pregnancy-associated overdose deaths over the six years.
- The rate rose from 8.0 to 13.0 deaths per 100,000 live births, a 62% increase.
- Among other women ages 15 to 44, overdose deaths rose by 33% over the same period.
- Fentanyl was involved in more of these deaths than any other drug.
- Deaths involving stimulants such as methamphetamine more than doubled, from 2.9 to 7.5 per 100,000 live births.
- Combinations of drugs were common: fentanyl together with stimulants was involved in about 1 in 4 deaths.
- Rates were highest in the South.
What the Study Does Not Show
- Why the deaths rose. The study describes trends; it does not identify causes. The spread of fentanyl in the drug supply is a major factor in overdose deaths overall.
- Whether deaths were intentional or accidental. Death certificates cannot reliably separate the two.
- The role of depression specifically. The data do not include mental health diagnoses, so the study cannot link these deaths to postpartum depression.
- The pregnancy checkbox on death certificates is known to have errors, so exact counts are uncertain.
Why the Time After Birth Can Be Risky
The months after birth bring sleep loss, pain, stress and major life changes, and for some people, a return to substance use after cutting back during pregnancy. Depression, anxiety and trauma can also make substance use harder to manage. Fear of losing custody keeps many parents from asking for help. Treatment for substance use disorders, including medications for opioid use disorder, is recommended during pregnancy and after birth, and seeking it is a protective step for your family.
Where to Get Help
- SAMHSA’s National Helpline: 1-800-662-4357, free, confidential and available 24 hours a day, for treatment referrals.
- National Maternal Mental Health Hotline: call or text 1-833-TLC-MAMA (1-833-852-6262) for support with depression, anxiety and stress during pregnancy and after birth.
- Your ob-gyn, midwife or your baby’s pediatrician can help connect you with treatment.
- Mental health care: find a therapist who treats perinatal mood disorders, or learn about postpartum depression and postpartum anxiety.
If someone may be overdosing, call 911. If you are having thoughts of harming yourself, call or text 988.
How Families Can Help
- Check in often in the months after birth, not just the first few weeks.
- Offer practical help with sleep, feeding and child care.
- Talk openly and without judgment about mood and substance use.
- Learn more about supporting a partner and find support groups.
Read more postpartum depression statistics.
Sources
- Drew LB, Goldman-Mellor S, Joachim G, Gemmill A, Margerison CE. “Pregnancy-Associated Drug Overdose Mortality in the United States, 2018-2023.” Obstetrics and Gynecology. Published online July 30, 2026. https://doi.org/10.1097/AOG.0000000000006389.
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. “SAMHSA’s National Helpline.” https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/helplines/national-helpline. Accessed September 15, 2026.