Medication Assisted Treatment and Pregnancy

If you’re pregnant or think you might be pregnant, please tell the staff at Alliance Recovery Center as soon as possible. We will work with you and your prenatal care provider to help keep you and your baby healthy throughout your pregnancy.

Methadone and buprenorphine (BUP) are approved and recommended treatments for opioid use disorder during pregnancy. For someone who is pregnant and actively using illicit opioids, treatment with methadone or buprenorphine is a safer and more stable option than continuing opioid use or attempting to stop suddenly.

Three things can make a significant difference in having a healthy pregnancy: starting prenatal care early, staying stable on your medication, and avoiding alcohol and illicit drug use.

Methadone During Pregnancy

Methadone has been safely used to treat opioid use disorder during pregnancy for many years and has not been shown to cause birth defects.

Some babies exposed to opioids during pregnancy may experience withdrawal symptoms after birth, often called neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome (NOWS). Hospital staff are experienced in monitoring and treating these symptoms when needed.

Your Methadone Dose

There is no specific methadone dose that you need to stay under simply because you are pregnant. In fact, some women need a dose increase or other dosing adjustments during pregnancy as their bodies change.

Needing a dose adjustment does not mean you are doing anything wrong. Our medical team will work with you to determine the dose that keeps you stable and comfortable.

Why Staying Stable Matters

Avoiding withdrawal and avoiding illicit opioid use are both important during pregnancy. If you experience cravings or withdrawal symptoms, tell our medical staff so we can evaluate your medication and make adjustments when appropriate.

Do not suddenly stop methadone or buprenorphine or begin tapering on your own during pregnancy. Talk with our medical team and your prenatal care provider before making changes to your medication.

Breastfeeding

For many women receiving methadone or buprenorphine, breastfeeding can be encouraged when there are no other medical reasons not to breastfeed. Only small amounts of these medications pass into breast milk. Your medical and obstetric providers can help determine what is safest for you and your baby.

Buprenorphine During Pregnancy

Buprenorphine is also a recommended treatment for opioid use disorder during pregnancy and has been used successfully in many healthy pregnancies. Research has also found that babies exposed to buprenorphine may experience less severe neonatal withdrawal symptoms than babies exposed to methadone.

The goal during pregnancy is stability — not getting to the lowest possible dose. Staying engaged in treatment, receiving prenatal care, and avoiding illicit opioid use are some of the most important steps you can take for yourself and your baby.