# Can a pregnant woman with opioid use disorder receive treatment? Canonical page: https://clinicsjo.com/en/faq/can-pregnant-women-with-opioid-use-disorder-receive-treatment Language: en Category: pregnancy Publisher: ClinicsJo Published: 2026-09-13T17:52:52.809Z Content updated: 2026-09-13T17:52:52.809Z Translation (ar): https://clinicsjo.com/ar/faq/can-pregnant-women-with-opioid-use-disorder-receive-treatment Yes, a pregnant woman with opioid use disorder (OUD) can receive treatment, which is strongly recommended to increase the chances of a healthy pregnancy. Developing a treatment plan for opioid use disorder before or early in pregnancy can enhance the chances of a healthy pregnancy, and this should be done under specialized medical supervision [\[4\]](). ## The Importance of Medication for Opioid Use Disorder During Pregnancy Medication for Opioid Use Disorder (MOUD) is a primary and effective treatment option for pregnant women. Methadone and buprenorphine are recommended as first-line treatment options for pregnant women with OUD [\[4\]](). These medications work by restoring balance to the parts of the brain affected by addiction, allowing the brain to heal while working toward recovery [\[1\]](). These medications can be taken safely for months, years, or even a lifetime, but they must not be stopped without consulting a healthcare provider [\[1\]](). Regarding naltrexone, current information about its safety during pregnancy is limited. If a woman is stable on naltrexone before pregnancy, the decision to continue treatment should involve a careful discussion between the provider and the patient, balancing the limited safety data on naltrexone with the potential risks of relapse if treatment is stopped [\[4\]](). ## Risks of Sudden Opioid Cessation Rapid discontinuation of opioids during pregnancy is not advised. Abrupt cessation can lead to severe consequences, including preterm labor, fetal distress, and miscarriage [\[4\]](). Therefore, current clinical recommendations for pregnant women with OUD include MOUD rather than medically supervised withdrawal, as MOUD increases the likelihood of better outcomes and reduces the risk of relapse [\[4\]](). ## Comprehensive Care and Postpartum Follow-up Support and care for women with OUD must continue after delivery. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) recommend that women with OUD continue MOUD as prescribed after the baby is born [\[4\]](). Healthcare providers should monitor patients during this period and adjust the dosage if necessary. Discontinuing MOUD in the immediate postpartum period should be avoided, at least until the baby is sleeping regularly through the night and has completed breastfeeding [\[4\]](). It is important to coordinate between prenatal care providers and specialists in opioid use. It should be understood that Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS) is an expected condition that can occur after exposure to MOUD. Concern about NAS alone should not prevent healthcare providers from prescribing medication. Close collaboration with the pediatric care team can help ensure that infants born to mothers who used opioids during pregnancy are monitored to receive appropriate treatment, along with referrals to necessary services [\[4\]](). For more details on available medications, please see our article on [Opioid Use Disorder Treatment: Pharmacological Options and Comprehensive Support (Arabic)](). ## Medical references - [Opioid Use Disorder (OUD) Treatment]() - [Treatment of Opioid Use Disorder Before, During, and After Pregnancy | Opioid Use During Pregnancy | CDC]() General health education; not a substitute for individualized clinical assessment. Citation URL: https://clinicsjo.com/en/faq/can-pregnant-women-with-opioid-use-disorder-receive-treatment#answer