If you’re pregnant and need addiction treatment, you deserve compassionate, confidential care that protects both your health and your baby’s. Pregnancy doesn’t pause addiction, and addiction doesn’t pause for pregnancy, but with the right support, you can have a healthier pregnancy and give your baby the best possible start.
Opioid use disorder during pregnancy is more common than many people realize, and reaching out for help is not a sign of failure. It’s an act of care for yourself and your child. CATC’s specialized physicians have experience supporting pregnant women through opioid use disorder treatment, from pregnancy through the postpartum period.
What Is Addiction Treatment During Pregnancy?
Addiction treatment during pregnancy means receiving coordinated, specialized care that addresses both your substance use and your prenatal health at the same time. Rather than choosing between addiction treatment and prenatal care, you receive both together, guided by physicians who understand the unique needs of pregnant patients.
At CATC, treatment typically includes evidence-based medication options for opioid use disorder, ongoing physician monitoring throughout your pregnancy, and coordination with your other care providers to support a safe delivery and postpartum period.
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. Babies whose mothers received treatment during pregnancy tend to have milder symptoms than those exposed to unmanaged opioid use, and medical staff are experienced in keeping these babies comfortable during this period.
Why You Should Never Stop Opioids Abruptly While Pregnant
Stopping opioid use suddenly during pregnancy is not recommended and can be dangerous for both you and your baby. Abrupt withdrawal can cause significant physical stress that may lead to complications including miscarriage or preterm labour.
Clinical guidance in Canada, including guidelines from the Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada, recommends opioid agonist therapy rather than withdrawal for pregnant patients with opioid use disorder. This approach keeps your pregnancy stable while addressing your substance use safely. If you are pregnant and using opioids, please speak with a doctor or addiction specialist before making any changes, rather than attempting to stop on your own.
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 options are available to CATC patients, tailored to your specific situation.
Methadone is a long-acting medication that prevents withdrawal and reduces cravings without producing the euphoric effects of illicit opioids, allowing your pregnancy to progress more stably.
Buprenorphine/naloxone (Suboxone) works similarly, reducing withdrawal symptoms and cravings while blocking the effects of other opioids. It is often available as a take-home medication, which some patients find more manageable than daily in-clinic dosing.
Both medications have a well-established safety profile in pregnancy and are recommended over unsupervised withdrawal.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it safe to stop using opioids on my own while pregnant?
No. Stopping opioids abruptly during pregnancy is not recommended and can be dangerous for both you and your baby. Clinical guidelines recommend opioid agonist therapy rather than withdrawal during pregnancy. Please speak with a doctor or addiction specialist before making any changes to your opioid use.
Will seeking treatment affect my custody of my child?
Seeking treatment generally demonstrates your commitment to your baby’s health and can support your parental rights rather than threaten them. Being proactive about getting help is viewed by many courts and child welfare agencies as a positive, protective step. <span class=”confirm”>[CONFIRM: verify with legal team for province-specific accuracy before publishing]</span>
Are methadone and buprenorphine safe during pregnancy?
Yes. Both medications have a well-established safety profile in pregnancy and are the recommended approach for treating opioid use disorder during pregnancy, rather than unsupervised withdrawal. Your physician will help determine which option is the right fit for your situation.
How quickly can I get connected to a physician?
Call 1-877-937-2282 and our team will connect you with an expert physician in our network as soon as possible. If you are caring for a pregnant patient with opioid use disorder, you can also reach out to info@canatc.ca to inquire about our physician network.