Suboxone and Pregnancy: Balancing Risks and Benefits

Opioids pose great harm to the expecting mother as well as the fetus. Since drugs like fentanyl, heroin, etc., are very potent, the risk of overdosing is quite high. Other than overdose. There are many risks like neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS) and stillbirth among fetuses. Many people are losing their lives to opioid addiction everyday. To counter this, the FDA has approved Suboxone as a potential treatment. While the subject of taking drugs during pregnancy is a tricky one. This article will explain all the potential side effects of the drug and why it is still necessary to take it. 

How Does Suboxone Work?

Suboxone is a combination of two main drugs, buprenorphine and naloxone. Buprenorphine is an opioid agonist while naloxone is an opioid antagonist. Buprenorphine works by sitting in the opioid receptors but since it is weak, it does not produce euphoria. If Suboxone is injected inappropriately, an opioid antagonist called naloxone prevents the effects of opioids. Suboxone manages opioid addiction by relieving withdrawal symptoms, lowering cravings, and deterring abuse. This enables users to concentrate on getting well and ending the cycle of opioid dependence.

Learn more about “Suboxone Dosage and Administration”.

Suboxone for Pregnant Women

Suboxone is designed in a way that it can cause least harm while helping individuals through their recovery. Here are some of the ways that Suboxone benefits pregnant women. 

Safer Alternative

Suboxone is safer than continuing to use opioids during pregnancy. The developing fetus can suffer severe harm from opioids like heroin or prescription medicines, which can result in issues like low birth weight, early birth, and neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS), in which the newborn experiences withdrawal symptoms. 

Reducing Cravings and Stabilizing Condition

Suboxone stabilizes expectant mothers by lowering cravings and withdrawal symptoms, enabling them to have better pregnancies. This consistency may have a good effect on diet, prenatal care, and overall maternal health, which may increase the likelihood of a healthier pregnancy.

Minimized Relapse Risk

For pregnant women who are opioid dependent, relapse risk is a major worry. Suboxone can lessen the chance of relapsing because it lessens the euphoria connected with opiate usage, which makes it less alluring for patients trying to stop using opioids.

Preventing High-Risk Behaviors

Engaging in risky behaviors when pregnant is very common among. For instance, irresponsible use of syringes like sharing the syringes is highly dangerous and even life-threatening. Risk of infections or harm to themselves and their unborn child are quite possible in this scenario. Suboxone is the savior that can help minimize such behaviors by providing a stable and controlled regimen.

Behavioral Interventions

Suboxone is usually a part of medication-assisted treatment (MAT) which entails Suboxone treatment along with regular medical visits and counseling. While the physical aspect of addiction is addressed via Suboxone, pregnant women can really get help from psychosocial support. In fact, it is necessary to undergo a holistic treatment where medication and therapy are dispensed to pregnant women.

Risks of Suboxone for Pregnant Women

While Suboxone is a safer and effective alternative to the continued use of Suboxone, it can also pose some risks for pregnant women and their fetuses. 

Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS)

Babies born to mothers taking Suboxone may still experience NAS. However, the severity of NAS may not be stronger than other alternatives. Moreover, NAS is now treatable that makes Suboxone a better option. The newborn, however, may still require proper medical attention and care to manage the withdrawal symptoms.

Long-Term Effects on the Child

Currently, there is limited data on whether Suboxone poses long-term effects on the babies born to mothers using Suboxone. However, the available studies suggest that it can surely affect the child’s cognitive and behavioral development. These impacts may keep revealing as they get older. 

Stigma and Misunderstanding

Suboxone-using pregnant women may experience prejudice and misperception from medical professionals, family members, and the general public. This may make it more difficult to get the right prenatal treatment and support. However, it is important to remind yourself that addiction is a mental disorder and appropriate treatment can change your life for the better. 

Balancing Risks and Benefits

A thorough, tailored strategy is needed to balance the risks and advantages of using Suboxone during pregnancy. To make educated selections, healthcare professionals must extensively evaluate each expecting mother’s individual medical history, level of opioid use, and general health.

To develop a comprehensive treatment plan, obstetricians must work closely with addiction specialists, counselors, and experts in maternal-fetal medicine. Prenatal care, counseling, and routine monitoring can all help reduce risks and difficulties while giving the expectant mother vital support.

Furthermore, patient education is crucial for dispelling myths and lowering stigma related to Suboxone therapy during pregnancy. Healthcare practitioners may promote trust and enable well-informed decision-making by arming pregnant moms with correct information.

Crux

In the end, it’s important to ensure the mother’s health and the baby’s wellbeing. Suboxone can assist pregnant women manage their opioid dependence while reducing possible dangers to the unborn child through a multidisciplinary approach and an emphasis on holistic treatment. To achieve the greatest outcomes for both the mother and the child, each case should be thoroughly assessed and treated by a team of healthcare experts, including obstetricians, addiction specialists, and counselors.