The purpose of this study was to investigate knowledge of maternal mortality risk of women with substance use disorder in the perinatal period.

This study was conducted using a qualitative descriptive design.

Participants were recruited from a residential substance use treatment center in a rural Midwestern city. We used semi-structured interviews during which participants described their understanding of maternal mortality risk and their related experiences. We analyzed the transcribed interviews using content analysis to yield themes and subthemes.

Sixteen women participated. Three main themes were identified: Women with substance use disorder lack understanding of maternal mortality; Women with substance use disorder experience barriers to perinatal care; and Women with substance use disorder have additional risk factors for maternal mortality.

Nurses can use validated screening tools, offer brief interventions, and refer women to appropriate substance use disorder treatment and mental health resources. Nurses must educate women with substance use disorder about their risk for maternal mortality as well as the signs and symptoms of perinatal mood and anxiety disorders. Nurses should provide education about the access and use of naloxone. A non-judgmental and trauma-informed approach should be used during interactions with this population.