This systematic review identified 17 US studies of patient navigation for pregnant and postpartum people who use substances. Programs operated primarily in outpatient settings, with others based in hospitals or residential care. Navigation was associated in some studies with reduced maternal substance use, greater service receipt, and improved maternal or infant health; findings were mixed for treatment engagement and child custody outcomes. Programs that coordinated services, maintained contact across pregnancy and postpartum, and built trust appeared promising. The authors call for stronger experimental studies before attributing benefits directly to navigation.
