Pregnancy & Opioid Recovery Care
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Opioid use disorder (OUD) without treatment during pregnancy can create health risks for both you and your baby. Going through opioid withdrawal can be especially stressful for a developing baby, which is why staying on a stable treatment plan is important.
The good news is that effective, evidence-based treatment for OUD during pregnancy is available and is similar to treatment for people who are not pregnant. Medications like buprenorphine and methadone are commonly used during pregnancy and are considered safe and effective for supporting recovery and protecting both you and your baby.
Medication
Boulder Care can help you access Suboxone (buprenorphine-naloxone) to support treatment for opioid use disorder during your pregnancy.
Using medication for opioid use disorder, along with regular prenatal care from an OB/GYN, can help keep both you and your baby healthier.
Your dose of Suboxone may change during or after pregnancy to better control cravings and prevent withdrawal, and your care team will work with you to make sure your treatment feels safe, comfortable, and effective.
Breastfeeding
Suboxone (buprenorphine-naloxone) is safe to use during pregnancy and while breastfeeding.
In the past, it was thought necessary to switch to a different medication without naloxone (such as Subutex). However, research now shows that the naloxone in Suboxone does not increase health risks for babies.
If you are doing well on Suboxone, there is no need to change medications. Staying on a treatment that keeps you stable can help support both your health and your baby’s health.
What does research tell us?
Suboxone works on the same brain receptors as opioids like heroin, fentanyl, and pain pills. However, it does not fully activate these receptors, so it helps reduce cravings and prevent withdrawal without causing an opioid “high.”
Suboxone is less likely than other opioids (pain pills, heroin, fentanyl) to cause Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS), a condition where babies may have withdrawal symptoms after birth.
There is limited research on the long-term developmental effects of opioid exposure during pregnancy, and we do not yet fully understand the long-term impact of Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS). Some studies suggest that children who experience NAS may have a higher risk of developmental delays, such as speech or language challenges, compared to children who did not experience NAS.
Suboxone (buprenorphine-naloxone) is a safe and effective treatment for opioid use disorder during pregnancy, especially when combined with prenatal care and other supports to keep you and your baby healthy.
Questions, concerns, or feedback?
You can send a message to your Care Team in the app with non-urgent questions or feedback, or you can always call Boulder's 24/7 Support at 888-316-0451.