The opioid epidemic has affected countless lives over the last several decades. People from all walks of life struggle with opioid use disorder (OUD) and addiction. Among these groups are pregnant women and children. Studies show that opioid use during pregnancy has grown rapidly since the turn of the century.
Opioid dependence during pregnancy has been associated with numerous adverse fetal outcomes related to drug use such as poor nutrition and inadequate prenatal care. If you or a loved one are addicted to or misusing opioids during pregnancy, it is critical to get into treatment as early as possible to avoid unnecessary and life-threatening complications.
If you’re seeking treatment for opioid use disorder while pregnant, call Canadian Addiction Treatment Centres. We understand the challenges you’re facing. Our CARE team has the knowledge and experience to help you through your pregnancy and recovery.
Opioid Use Disorder During Pregnancy
Opioid use impacts both mother and child during and after the pregnancy. As a result, it’s important to learn more about the risks associated with opioid use and treatment during pregnancy. Opioid use disorder can lead to complications during pregnancy and delivery for the mom, including miscarriage and a higher risk of maternal death. The dangers can affect the baby in several ways. Opioid use by the mother while pregnant has been linked to poor fetal growth, preterm and stillbirths, and birth defects.
Neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS) and neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome (NOWS) are conditions that affect babies born to mothers with substance or opioid use disorders. When a baby is born with opioids in their system, they may require extended hospitalization and experience symptoms of withdrawal, including tremors, excessive crying, poor sleep, feeding, and seizures.
A sudden stop in opioid use among opioid-dependent mothers can have harmful effects during pregnancy as well. Consult your doctor or a medical professional if you’re pregnant and using opioids to find the right treatment plan.
Physician Spotlight: Dr. Lisa Graves
Dr. Graves is one of CATC’s physicians who specializes in the treatment of opioid use disorder during pregnancy. Dr. Graves helps women during pregnancy and through the postpartum phase to ensure that everyone is healthy and cared for. Dr. Graves has an active practice including addictions, with a special interest in the care of women, substance use and pregnancy in Northern Ontario.
Resources on Opioid Use While Pregnant
Consult these resources about pregnancy and opioid addiction for more information:
Opioid Treatment During Pregnancy in Canada
At CATC, we have several expert physicians who specialize in the treatment of opioid use disorder during pregnancy. Evidence-based treatment programs that use methadone and buprenorphine/naloxone (Suboxone®) are available to CATC patients. Our programs are designed to help our patients through their pregnancy, including advising and consulting with other care providers to ensure a safe delivery and postpartum period for both mothers and babies.
If you are pregnant and wish to start treatment, please call 1-877-937-2282 as soon as possible. We’ll connect you to an expert physician in our network. Reach out to us online via the form below to find an opioid treatment centre near you.
If you’re caring for a pregnant patient with opioid use disorder, contact info@canatc.ca to inquire about our physician network. We will make sure you are connected to a doctor who can provide the right advice and support.