Pregnancy and opioid treatment
This content is provided for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute providing medical advice or professional services. The information contained herein should not be used for diagnosing or treating a health condition, and those seeking medical advice or guidance should consult with a licensed and qualified healthcare provider. Always seek the advice of a qualified healthcare provider regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have learned here or elsewhere.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department immediately. No physician-patient or provider-patient relationship is created by this website or its use. Boulder Care makes no representations, express or implied, with respect to the information provided herein or to its use.
If you're pregnant, staying on steady treatment for opioid use is one of the best things you can do for you and your baby. Untreated opioid use during pregnancy can create health risks for both of you, and going through withdrawal can be especially stressful for a developing baby.
The good news is that treatment during pregnancy works, and it looks a lot like treatment for people who aren't pregnant. Medicines like buprenorphine and methadone are commonly used during pregnancy and are considered safe and effective for you and your baby.
Your medication
Boulder can help you get buprenorphine (including Suboxone) during your pregnancy. Taking it along with regular prenatal care from an OB/GYN can help keep you and your baby healthier.
Your dose may change during or after pregnancy to help with cravings and prevent withdrawal. Your care team will work with you to make sure your treatment feels safe, comfortable, and effective.
Staying on Suboxone during pregnancy and breastfeeding
Suboxone is safe to take during pregnancy and while breastfeeding.
In the past, people were often told to switch to a medicine without naloxone, like Subutex, during pregnancy. Research now shows that the naloxone in Suboxone doesn't increase health risks for babies. If Suboxone is working well for you, there's no need to change. Staying on a treatment that keeps you steady supports both your health and your baby's.
What the research shows
Buprenorphine works on the same parts of the brain as opioids like heroin, fentanyl, pain pills, kratom, and 7-OH, but it doesn't fully activate them. That's how it eases cravings and prevents withdrawal without causing a high.
Some babies have withdrawal symptoms after birth. This is called neonatal abstinence syndrome. Babies are less likely to have it with buprenorphine than with other opioids.
There isn't much research yet on the long-term effects of opioid exposure during pregnancy, and we don't fully understand the long-term effects of neonatal abstinence syndrome. Some studies suggest that children who had it may be more likely to have developmental delays, like speech or language challenges.
In short
Overall, buprenorphine is a safe and effective treatment during pregnancy, especially alongside prenatal care and other support for you and your baby.