Social workers and clinicians must recognize pregnant opioid users present to treatment with unique needs.

Dual stigmatization. Stigmatization occurs because they are substance users, but also, as pregnant women, they face assumptions of maternal unfitness as substance users while pregnant.
Fear, shame, and guilt. Interactions must consider these critical factors that grow out of stigmatization, and care must be sensitized around them.
Need for change behavior. Use and infuse their motivation towards change behaviors for a healthy pregnancy and in order to become a better parent for the new baby.

Substance Users face long-held cultural beliefs defining drug problems as a moral failing.

Norms around nurturing and motherhood are unforgiving for women who have substance use disorders.

Why are pregnancy and opioid use a growing concern?