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Outcomes of mothers and newborns to prenatal exposure to kratom: a systematic review

Journal of Perinatology volume 41, pages 1236–1243 (2021)Cite this article

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A Correction to this article was published on 28 September 2021

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Abstract

Kratom is a legal, widely available substance that contains opioid agonist alkaloids. Due to the marketing of kratom as an opioid alternative for treatment of pain, anxiety, depression, or to reduce opioid withdrawal symptoms, the use of kratom has increased among persons in the USA including pregnant women. This systematic review of the peer-reviewed literature regarding kratom in relation to maternal and infant outcomes resulted in analysis of six case reports of prenatal kratom exposure. Maternal and infant withdrawal from kratom exposure was described in each case, resulting in pharmacologic treatment for both mothers and infants.

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Acknowledgements

The project was partially supported by the Clemson Creative Inquiry Program.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Clemson University School of Nursing, Greenville, SC, USA

    Mary Ellen Wright, Claire Ginsberg, Abigail M. Parkison, Melissa Dubose, Madison Sherbondy & Emily Shores

  2. University of South Carolina, School of Medicine Greenvillle, Greenville, SC, USA

    Emily Shores

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Correspondence to Mary Ellen Wright.

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Wright, M.E., Ginsberg, C., Parkison, A.M. et al. Outcomes of mothers and newborns to prenatal exposure to kratom: a systematic review. J Perinatol 41, 1236–1243 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41372-021-00952-8

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