The opioid epidemic has been a problem in the United States for decades, but now it is hitting home more than ever. The rate of babies born addicted to opioids has risen four-fold since the 1990s.
For pregnant mothers, this can be an especially difficult situation because they need to make decisions about their own health and safety while also considering the risk that certain drug use poses for their unborn children.
So, is the Suboxone treatment option safe to use during pregnancy? Does it have any side effects on expectant mothers? Are the side effects serious?
This article will explore Suboxone treatment during pregnancy and whether or not it is safe to take it during pregnancy. So, let us get started.
Pregnancy and Opioid Use
Various reports show that maternal opioid use rates have been growing steadily since 1996. In fact, the number of pregnant women who are addicted to opioids increased four-fold between 1996 and 2014.
It means that approximately seven of every 1,000 births in the United States involve a mother with an opioid overdose disorder.
This trend is quite distressing because drug overdose during pregnancy can adversely affect both the mother and unborn child.
Expectant mothers who are addicted to opioids may experience preeclampsia, a serious pregnancy complication characterized by high blood pressure. Some of the dangers for the unborn child include:
- Premature birth.
- Stillbirth.
- Poor fetal growth.
- Neonatal abstinence disorder (NAS) is when a child is born physically dependent on opioids and starts to experience severe withdrawal symptoms.
- Congenital disabilities.
When a pregnant mother takes opioids, it can cause a severe impact on their child’s development which medical experts don’t completely understand. Children experiencing NAS are more likely to have developmental and speech delays.
Is Suboxone Safe to Use During Pregnancy?
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) classifies Suboxone as a pregnancy type C drug.
In simple words, it means that studies done on animals have shown some harmful fetal effects, but the drug’s effect on the human fetus is still unknown due to inadequate data gathered from clinical trials done on human beings.
However, research shows that taking Suboxone during pregnancy may not have adverse effects on the fetus. Most researchers believe that the drug may be safe for use during human pregnancy.
Typically, you should talk to a qualified Suboxone doctor to establish if it is appropriate to use the treatment during pregnancy. Your doctor will assess your situation and advise you accordingly since everything is done on a case-by-case basis.
If you are already stable on Suboxone treatment and discover that you are pregnant, you shouldn’t change your regimen as long as your doctor can establish that the benefits outweigh the risks.
What Precautions Must You Take If Your Doctor Approves Suboxone Treatment While You’re Pregnant?
Even if your doctor approves you to use Suboxone while pregnant, you still need to take extra measures to avoid harming yourself and your unborn child. The three critical precautions you need to take are;
a) Notify Your Doctor of Your Pregnancy Immediately
If you are already on a Suboxone treatment plan and find out you are expectant, make sure you tell your doctor immediately. This will help him/her assess your condition and advise you on what to do next to stay safe.
b) Follow Your Doctor’s Directions without Fail
Even if your doctor thinks that Suboxone treatment is a good option for you during pregnancy, you need to keep in mind that there are still some risks associated with it.
Typically, your doctor will determine the safest Suboxone dose for you and supervise your progress closely.
It is your responsibility to follow all the instructions carefully and never try to adjust your medication without informing your doctor.
c) Keep All Appointments
Your primary Suboxone treatment doctor will work closely with your obstetrician to monitor your progress, and how you react to the medication throughout your pregnancy.
Therefore, it is critical to honor all your appointments and never hesitate to ask questions or raise concerns if need be.
What Are the Dangers of Taking Suboxone during Pregnancy?
Although Suboxone treatment improves the birth outcome in infants with opioid-addicted mothers, there are still some dangers associated with taking Suboxone while expectant.
Naloxone may cause hormonal changes in the mother, complicating the pregnancy. If this is not realized early, the chances of stillbirth will be pretty high.
Furthermore, naloxone is known to worsen the withdrawal symptoms in newborns, making it a significant danger.
As a result, many Suboxone doctors use single-action buprenorphine formula when treating expectant mothers struggling with opioid withdrawal. This is done intentionally to avoid using Suboxone which could cause adverse effects.
To learn more about Suboxone and Methadone treatment, feel free to contact us today to find a Suboxone clinic near you.
