Here are Welcome MAT Health, we have highly trained and knowledgeable medical staff to ensure that perinatal treatment is performed at the highest level. Mother’s who are misusing opioids should immediately seek treatment to ensure that the developing baby does not suffer from any unwanted adverse effects. The misuse of opioids can additionally impact any baby that is actively breastfeeding, as this can be a method of ingestion of opioids and other substances.
Pregnant or breastfeeding individuals can safely use methadone as a harm-reduction approach. When a pregnant person experiences withdrawal from a substance they have been misusing, it can lead to contractions in the uterus and potentially result in miscarriage or premature birth. Methadone helps prevent withdrawal symptoms, supporting pregnant individuals in effectively managing their addiction while minimizing health risks for both themselves and their baby.
Choosing to undergo methadone maintenance treatment during pregnancy does not cause birth defects. However, it’s important to note that some babies may experience withdrawal symptoms after birth. It’s crucial to understand that this does not indicate addiction in the baby. The onset of infant withdrawal typically occurs a few days after birth but may also begin between two to four weeks later.
Mothers who are taking methadone can continue to breastfeed. Research has demonstrated that the benefits of breastfeeding outweigh the impact of the small amount of methadone present in breast milk. If a woman is considering discontinuing methadone treatment due to concerns about breastfeeding or pregnancy, it is recommended to consult with her doctor first for guidance and support.
Misusing opioids during pregnancy, coupled with factors like inadequate prenatal care and poor nutrition, is also associated with low birth weight, which increases the risk of developmental delays in infants. If the mother consistently misuses the drug, the infant may be born physically dependent on heroin and could experience neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS), a withdrawal syndrome that requires hospitalization.
It is essential for pregnant or breastfeeding individuals to inform their treatment provider before starting methadone. Methadone is the only medication approved for Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) that can be safely used by pregnant or breastfeeding women.