Comprehensive support is available for those struggling with opioid addiction and are pregnant or thinking about becoming pregnant. Working with healthcare providers and a clinical care team on developing a treatment plan that addresses prenatal care and recovery management can greatly improve maternal and newborn health outcomes.
In the last 20 years, the rate of opioid use among women of reproductive age has been significantly increasing. Fortunately, opioid use disorder is a treatable illness, and with appropriate support and resources, recovery is possible.
Benefits of Opioid Treatment During Pregnancy:
- Improved long-term health outcomes for mother and baby
- Lower risk and less severe symptoms of (NAS)
- Shorter treatment time for infants
- Reduced likelihood of transmission of infectious diseases
- Higher gestational age, weight, and head circumference for infants
For pregnant women, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and the American Society of Addiction Medicine support Buprenorphine treatment as a best practice for opioid use disorder. These medication-assistant treatment options include individualized recovery support, counseling, and behavior therapy. Buprenorphine is known to prevent withdrawal and reduce cravings.
Infants exposed to opioids or other substances during pregnancy may develop neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS), a group of withdrawal symptoms. Work with your healthcare team to build a plan that improves your chances for a healthy pregnancy for you and your baby.
At Project Hope, we offer a program that works, fitting your lifestyle and needs. Call our team at (707) 387 – 1631 to learn more about how we can help reduce withdrawal symptoms, the risk of relapse, and overdoses while bridging the gap to recovery.
References:
- “About Opioid Use During Pregnancy.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 25 Nov. 2020, www.cdc.gov/pregnancy/opioids/basics.html.
- National Institute on Drug Abuse. “Treating Opioid Use Disorder During Pregnancy.” National Institute on Drug Abuse, 12 June 2020, www.drugabuse.gov/publications/treating-opioid-use-disorder-during-pregnancy.
- “Opioid Use Disorder and Pregnancy.” Opioid Use Disorder and Pregnancy | SAMHSA Publications and Digital Products, store.samhsa.gov/product/Opioid-Use-Disorder-and-Pregnancy/SMA18-5071FS1.
