# What are opioids, and what are their potential risks during pregnancy? Canonical page: https://clinicsjo.com/en/faq/ma-hi-al-afyonat-wa-ma-hi-makhatrha-al-muhtamalah-athnaa-al-haml Language: en Category: pregnancy Publisher: ClinicsJo Published: 2026-09-13T08:09:52.835Z Content updated: 2026-09-13T08:09:52.835Z Translation (ar): https://clinicsjo.com/ar/faq/ma-hi-al-afyonat-wa-ma-hi-makhatrha-al-muhtamalah-athnaa-al-haml Opioids are a class of drugs used for pain relief, working by binding to specific receptors in the brain to generate a sedative effect and alleviate pain. This category includes potent prescription painkillers such as oxycodone, hydrocodone, fentanyl, and tramadol. Heroin is also classified as an illegal opioid [\[1\]](). When a physician prescribes opioids to manage severe pain after surgeries or injuries, they are effective and safe when used for short periods and with precision. However, misuse—whether by exceeding prescribed doses, using them recreationally, or taking someone else's medication—leads to significant risks, including opioid use disorder and overdose [\[2\]](). ## Risks of Opioid Use for Mother and Fetus Opioid use during pregnancy directly affects the health of both mother and child. For the mother, there is an increased likelihood of serious complications, including placental abruption—a medical emergency where the placenta separates from the uterine wall before birth—in addition to increased risks of preterm birth and pregnancy loss (miscarriage or stillbirth) [\[1\]]() [\[3\]](). This use is also associated with poor fetal growth, which may lead to the birth of infants with low birth weight, and additional issues stemming from interruptions in healthcare, such as frequently missing prenatal check-ups and follow-up appointments during pregnancy [\[2\]]() [\[3\]](). ## Neonatal Opioid Withdrawal Syndrome One of the most prominent risks associated with in-utero opioid exposure is the infant developing "Neonatal Opioid Withdrawal Syndrome" (NOWS). This condition occurs as a result of the sudden cessation of the opioid supply to the fetus after birth; symptoms typically begin within 72 hours of birth and include: [\[2\]]() - Excessive irritability and high-pitched crying. - Tremors or seizures. - Sleep problems and difficulty with feeding or nursing. - Vomiting, diarrhea, or increased sweating. - Hyperactive reflexes and frequent sneezing. For more details regarding the measures taken, you can review [Chronic Opioid Use During Pregnancy: Risks and Treatment (Arabic)](). ## Important Steps and Emergency Care If you are taking opioids and become pregnant, do not stop taking the medication abruptly without medical consultation. Sudden withdrawal may lead to severe health complications for you and your fetus, and it may be more dangerous than continuing under specialized medical supervision [\[1\]](). The ideal solution is to communicate immediately with your physician to discuss a treatment plan that includes safe medications for opioid use disorder, such as methadone or buprenorphine, which help reduce cravings and prevent withdrawal symptoms while ensuring normal fetal growth [\[3\]](). **Emergency Alert:** An opioid overdose is a life-threatening emergency, with signs including loss of consciousness and severely slowed or stopped breathing. In these cases, naloxone must be used to save the mother's life immediately. Although it may cause fetal stress, its use to save the mother's life remains an indispensable medical necessity [\[3\]](). ## Medical references - [Pregnancy and Opioids]() - [About Opioid Use During Pregnancy]() - [Opioid Use Disorder and Pregnancy]() General health education; not a substitute for individualized clinical assessment. Citation URL: https://clinicsjo.com/en/faq/ma-hi-al-afyonat-wa-ma-hi-makhatrha-al-muhtamalah-athnaa-al-haml#answer