What condition could cause preterm labor if a heroin-addicted mother suddenly stops using?

The condition that could cause preterm labor if a heroin-addicted mother suddenly stops using is often related to the physiological changes and complications linked to substance withdrawal. When a mother abruptly ceases heroin use, the body undergoes significant stress as it responds to the absence of the drug. This stress can trigger various hormonal and physiological responses that may lead to preterm labor.

In the context of heroin addiction, withdrawal symptoms can be quite severe and might include increased anxiety, blood pressure changes, and hormonal fluctuations. These changes can contribute to uterine irritability and contractions, ultimately resulting in preterm labor.

While other options like oligohydramnios, placental abruption, and gestational hypertension are serious conditions that can arise during pregnancy, they are not directly associated with the sudden cessation of heroin use. Instead, preterm labor is a more immediate risk during withdrawal, as the body reacts to both the absence of the substance and the underlying stressors of addiction. This understanding highlights the importance of careful management and monitoring of pregnant individuals with substance use disorders, especially during withdrawal.