Sarah Osmundson

October 27, 2023

Grant bolsters research to address rising maternal mortality rates

Study seeks to better understand the mechanism behind the association between preeclampsia and other hypertensive disorders of pregnancy and cardiovascular disease.

By Matt Batcheldor
April 26, 2021

Study finds increased risk of serious opioid events in mothers, regardless of dose

A new study from Vanderbilt University Medical Center researchers finds that new mothers who receive opioids after uncomplicated vaginal births face an increased risk of serious opioid-related events regardless of the opioid dosage, a finding that could significantly impact care delivery.

By Jake Lowary
Pregnant woman holding pill pack
June 9, 2020

Opioid prescriptions after childbirth linked to increased risk of overdose, persistent use

Women who are prescribed opioids after childbirth have an increased risk of persistent opioid use or other serious opioid-related events, including overdose, in their first year postpartum, according to a new study by Vanderbilt University Medical Center researchers. This is true regardless of whether the woman had a vaginal delivery or a cesarean section.

By Kelsey Herbers
August 29, 2019

New tool helps predict patients’ opioid needs after cesarean section

Most women who undergo a cesarean section are sent home with more opioids than they need, but a significant proportion of women use all opioids and report unmet pain needs, according to Sarah Osmundson, MD, MS, assistant professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology.

By Kelsey Herbers
December 13, 2018

Early postpartum opioids linked with persistent usage

Vanderbilt researchers have published findings indicating that regardless of whether a woman delivers a child by cesarean section or by vaginal birth, if they fill prescriptions for opioid pain medications early in the postpartum period, they are at increased risk of developing persistent opioid use.

By Jill Clendening
June 13, 2017

VUMC study shows cesarean patients sent home from hospital with more narcotic pain medications than needed

Most women who undergo a cesarean childbirth are prescribed more opioid (narcotic) pain medications than needed upon release from the hospital, a Vanderbilt University Medical Center study shows.

By Nancy Humphrey
May 24, 2016

Vanderbilt expert addresses Zika-related concerns for women who are, or want to become, pregnant

With summer time approaching and the topic of mosquitoes abuzz, Vanderbilt University Medical Center Maternal Fetal Medicine specialist Sarah Osmundson, M.D., has a few recommendations for women who are pregnant or want to become pregnant.
By Jessica Pasley