If you’re pregnant and navigating opioid use disorder (OUD), you may feel overwhelmed with advice—some of it helpful, and some of it downright frightening. One of the most common myths you’ve probably heard is that quitting opioids “cold turkey” during pregnancy is the safest option for your baby. It’s a well-meaning sentiment, but it’s far from the truth.
In reality, abruptly stopping opioids while pregnant can be dangerous for both you and your baby. But you’re not alone, and there’s a safer, proven option: Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT), such as Suboxone or Subutex. These treatments aim to protect your baby while stabilizing your body and supporting your recovery.
Let’s break down why quitting cold turkey during pregnancy isn’t as safe as it seems, and how MAT can offer you and your baby the best chance at a healthy future.
Why Quitting Cold Turkey During Pregnancy Is Risky
It’s natural to want to make the best possible choices for your baby during pregnancy, and you might think quitting opioids completely and immediately is the right move. But here’s the reality: abrupt opioid withdrawal can actually harm your baby.
1. Withdrawal Puts Your Baby at Risk
When you suddenly stop taking opioids, your body enters withdrawal, and so does your baby. This condition, known as intrauterine withdrawal, can deprive your baby of oxygen and nutrients.
This stress can cause:
- Preterm labor, where the baby is born before they’re fully developed.
- Fetal distress, which may lead to complications or even emergency delivery.
- Miscarriage or stillbirth in severe cases.
2. Withdrawal Symptoms Take a Toll on Your Body
Withdrawal is physically and emotionally draining, even under normal circumstances. During pregnancy, it can be even harder to endure. Common withdrawal symptoms like nausea, vomiting, dehydration, and restlessness can leave your body struggling to support your growing baby.
Imagine trying to manage severe cravings, insomnia, and constant anxiety—all while your body is doing the incredible work of growing a life. It’s no wonder that withdrawal often leads to relapse, which can put you and your baby at even greater risk.
3. Relapse Is Riskier Than Staying on a Treatment Plan
Relapsing after quitting cold turkey doesn’t just bring you back to square one—it increases the likelihood of dangerous outcomes. Inconsistent opioid use during pregnancy can expose your baby to fluctuating levels of opioids, which is even riskier than continued use under medical supervision.
Why Suboxone (or Subutex) Is a Safer Alternative
The good news is that you don’t have to choose between protecting your baby and managing your recovery. Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT), like Suboxone or Subutex, is a safe, evidence-based option for pregnant individuals with OUD. Here’s why:
1. MAT Stabilizes Your Body and Baby
Medications like Suboxone and Subutex provide your body with a steady, controlled dose of buprenorphine to prevent withdrawal symptoms and cravings. This helps you stay physically and emotionally stable, which is crucial for both you and your baby’s health.
Example: Imagine your body as a seesaw that opioids have tipped out of balance. MAT helps level the seesaw, keeping you stable so your baby can grow without the stress of withdrawal.
2. MAT Reduces the Risk of Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS)
Babies exposed to opioids during pregnancy can develop neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS), a condition where they experience withdrawal symptoms after birth. However, studies show that MAT significantly reduces the severity of NAS compared to uncontrolled opioid use or relapses.
Tip: If your baby is born with NAS, they will be carefully monitored and treated by a medical team, ensuring a safe recovery. Many babies with NAS go on to thrive with proper care.
3. Subutex May Be Used Instead of Suboxone
For pregnant individuals, Subutex (which contains only buprenorphine) is often preferred over Suboxone (which also contains naloxone). This is because naloxone is primarily included as a misuse deterrent, which isn’t usually necessary during pregnancy. Your doctor can determine the best option for your specific needs.
Tips for MAT During Pregnancy
- Talk to a Doctor You Trust:
Your healthcare provider is your partner in this journey. Be open about your concerns, and don’t hesitate to ask questions about MAT and how it can protect your baby. - Focus on Progress, Not Perfection:
Recovery is a process, and your goal is to keep moving forward. Taking Suboxone or Subutex as part of MAT isn’t “substituting one drug for another”—it’s a proven medical treatment that protects both you and your baby. - Lean on Support Systems:
Pregnancy is challenging enough, and recovery adds an extra layer. Don’t be afraid to lean on friends, family, or support groups who can provide encouragement and understanding. - Celebrate the Small Wins:
Every day you commit to MAT and your recovery is a victory for both you and your baby. Take pride in each step you take toward a healthier future.
The Bottom Line: Choose Stability Over Cold Turkey
Quitting opioids cold turkey during pregnancy might sound like the “cleaner” or “faster” option, but it’s not the safest choice for you or your baby. Instead, Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) with Suboxone or Subutex offers a safer, more stable path to recovery.
By managing withdrawal symptoms, reducing cravings, and protecting your baby from the risks of abrupt cessation, MAT empowers you to take control of your health and give your baby the best start in life.
How QuickMD Can Help
If you’re pregnant and considering MAT, QuickMD is here to support you. Our licensed providers offer same-day telemedicine appointments, making it easy to access safe, effective care from the comfort of your home.
We’ll work with you to create a treatment plan that puts your health—and your baby’s health—first.Take the first step today—schedule an appointment with QuickMD and let us guide you toward a healthier, more stable pregnancy.
