By what factor did the number of perinatal women with opioid use disorder increase from 1999 to 2014?

The correct answer is that the number of perinatal women with opioid use disorder quadrupled from 1999 to 2014. This significant increase highlights the alarming trend of rising opioid use among pregnant women, which has serious implications for both maternal and infant health.

The data from that period indicates a dramatic rise in prescriptions and misuse of opioids, which was mirrored by an increase in the prevalence of opioid use disorder among this population. Understanding this increase is crucial for healthcare providers and policymakers as it emphasizes the need for targeted intervention strategies, prevention programs, and educational efforts to address substance use in pregnancy and improve outcomes for both mothers and their children.

This context further underscores the importance of training for healthcare providers in recognizing and responding to opioid use disorder during the perinatal period, given its complexities and potential long-term effects on child development.