Intravenous drug use is associated with alloimmunization in pregnancy

Maternal history of intravenous drug abuse is associated with an increased risk of alloimmunization. Approximately 1 in 30 intravenous drug abuse women may be diagnosed with an alloantibody in pregnancy. Given the current US opioid epidemic, increased vigilance in screening is required. Needle-sharing represents a possible mechanism for intravenous drug abuse-associated alloimmunization; however, limited obstetric care, failure to obtain Rh immunoglobulin, or failure to identify early pregnancy loss cannot be excluded.