Navigating pregnancy while using opioids can feel overwhelming and frightening. You want the best for your baby, and you may be worried about the effects of the substances you’re using and feel unsure of where to turn. Please hear this first: seeking help is the most loving and protective step you can take for both yourself and your child.
At Arrow Medical, we provide safe, confidential, and compassionate care for pregnant individuals who use opioids. The international medical consensus is clear: Opioid Agonist Treatment (OAT) is the standard of care for ensuring a healthier pregnancy and a safer start to life for your baby.
The Most Important Thing to Know: Do Not Stop Suddenly
If you are dependent on opioids, abruptly stopping or detoxing during pregnancy is extremely dangerous. It can cause severe withdrawal in the mother, which can lead to fetal distress, premature labour, or miscarriage.
The safest path forward is to start on a stable, medically supervised dose of a medication like methadone or Suboxone.
Opioid Agonist Treatment (OAT): The Gold Standard for Pregnancy
OAT stabilizes your body, which in turn stabilizes the environment for the developing baby. It prevents the dangerous cycles of use and withdrawal. The two most recommended medications during pregnancy are:
- Methadone: Methadone has been used safely during pregnancy for over 40 years. It has a long, proven track record of reducing the risks associated with untreated opioid use disorder. It helps mothers avoid overdose and infections while improving the baby’s growth and development in the womb.
- Suboxone (Buprenorphine): Buprenorphine (the main ingredient in Suboxone) is also a safe and effective option. Some research, like studies by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), suggests that buprenorphine may be associated with less severe Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS).
The choice between methadone and Suboxone is a decision you will make with your addiction doctor, based on your history and specific needs. Both are excellent, life-saving options.
Understanding Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS)
When a baby is exposed to opioids in the womb, they will go through their own withdrawal period after birth. This is an expected and treatable condition called Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS) or Neonatal Opioid Withdrawal Syndrome (NOWS).
- What It Looks Like: Symptoms can include high-pitched crying, irritability, trouble sleeping, and difficulty feeding.
- How We Treat It: Hospital medical teams are experts at managing NAS. They use techniques like swaddling, holding, and keeping the baby in a quiet, dark room. Sometimes, the baby may need small doses of medication, like morphine, to help them slowly and comfortably wean off the opioid exposure.
- You Can Be With Your Baby: You can and should be central to your baby’s care. Breastfeeding is often encouraged, as it can help ease NAS symptoms and promote bonding.
A baby with NAS is not “addicted.” They have a temporary, treatable medical condition, and with proper care, they can go on to be healthy children.
Benefits of Treatment for You and Your Baby
Starting OAT at Arrow Medical does more than just stop opioid withdrawal. It opens the door to a healthier pregnancy overall.
- Reduced Risk: It drastically lowers your risk of overdose and infections like HIV or Hepatitis C.
- Better Prenatal Care: Stabilized patients are better able to attend regular prenatal appointments.
- Improved Fetal Health: OAT leads to better growth for the baby and a lower risk of premature birth.
- Confidential & Judgment-Free Care: Our walk-in clinics across Ontario offer a supportive environment where we will treat you with dignity and respect.
Your pregnancy can be a powerful motivation for change. We are here to support you on this journey. Walk into any Arrow Medical clinic today to have a confidential conversation about how we can help you have the healthiest pregnancy possible.