Opioid Addiction and Pregnancy: MAT Treatment Keeps You and Your Baby Safe
Discovering opioid addiction during pregnancy can feel overwhelming and frightening. You may be worried about your baby's health, afraid of judgment, or uncertain about whether treatment could cause more harm than good. The most important message we can share is this: getting treatment is the safest thing you can do for yourself and your baby.
At Pink Chances Med Corp in Tujunga, CA, we provide compassionate, specialized care for pregnant patients with opioid use disorder, in line with the highest clinical standards from ACOG (American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists) and SAMHSA.
The Risks of Untreated Opioid Addiction During Pregnancy
Untreated opioid addiction during pregnancy poses serious risks to both mother and baby:
For the Mother
- Increased risk of overdose (which is fatal for both mother and baby)
- Risk of infections from IV drug use (HIV, hepatitis C, endocarditis)
- Poor prenatal care and nutrition
- Domestic violence and safety risks
- Legal consequences
For the Baby
- Premature birth
- Low birth weight
- Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS) from withdrawal after birth
- Stillbirth or miscarriage
- Growth restriction
- Long-term developmental challenges
Why MAT Is the Recommended Treatment During Pregnancy
ACOG, SAMHSA, and the CDC all recommend Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) with Methadone or Buprenorphine as the standard of care for pregnant patients with opioid use disorder. Here's why:
- Safer than abrupt withdrawal: Abrupt opioid withdrawal during pregnancy can cause fetal distress, premature labor, and miscarriage. MAT prevents these dangerous withdrawal episodes.
- Reduces fetal exposure to multiple substances: Patients on stable MAT are less likely to use additional illicit substances, reducing fetal polysubstance exposure.
- Improves prenatal care engagement: Treatment programs connect patients with prenatal care, nutrition support, and comprehensive services.
- Better birth outcomes: Research consistently shows that MAT-treated pregnancies have better outcomes compared to untreated opioid addiction during pregnancy.
Yes, babies born to mothers on MAT may experience Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS) — a manageable medical condition where the newborn adjusts to life without the medication received through the placenta. NAS is treatable and is far preferable to the alternative of untreated opioid addiction during pregnancy.
Methadone vs. Buprenorphine During Pregnancy
Both medications are evidence-based options for pregnancy:
- Methadone has decades of research in pregnancy and remains a primary recommended option
- Buprenorphine (often as Subutex — without naloxone — during pregnancy) is increasingly preferred by many providers due to easier dosing and some studies suggesting lower NAS severity
Your OB-GYN and our medical team at Pink Chances will work together to determine the best medication and dosing approach for your specific situation.
Coordinated Prenatal and Addiction Care
At Pink Chances Med Corp, we work collaboratively with obstetric care providers to ensure pregnant patients receive integrated prenatal and addiction care. This includes:
- Communication with your OB-GYN or midwife (with your consent)
- Monitoring and adjusting MAT medication as pregnancy progresses (dosing needs often change)
- Connecting you with community resources for prenatal support
- Counseling support addressing the unique challenges and hopes of pregnancy in recovery
Confidentiality and Child Protective Services
Many pregnant women with opioid addiction fear that seeking treatment will result in involvement of Child Protective Services (CPS) or loss of their baby. Understanding your rights is important. In California, being in treatment for opioid addiction is not, by itself, grounds for CPS involvement — in fact, being actively engaged in treatment is generally viewed positively. Speak with our team about your specific concerns and rights as a patient in California.
Frequently Asked Questions About Pregnancy and MAT
Is it safe for my baby if I take Suboxone during pregnancy?
Research supports the safety of buprenorphine during pregnancy relative to the alternative of untreated opioid addiction. ACOG and SAMHSA recommend MAT as the standard of care. Discuss your specific situation with your obstetric provider and our medical team.
Will my baby have to stay in the NICU?
Babies born to mothers on MAT may need monitoring and possibly treatment for NAS, though the severity and duration varies widely. Many babies do not require NICU care. Your obstetric team will monitor closely around delivery.
Safe, Compassionate Pregnancy Care in Los Angeles
If you are pregnant and struggling with opioid addiction in Los Angeles, please reach out for help immediately. Pink Chances Med Corp provides specialized, compassionate care for pregnant patients in Tujunga, serving all of Los Angeles County. Call (888) 821-PINK or contact us online right now. Getting help is the best thing you can do for you and your baby.




