Opioid Detox During Pregnancy Linked to Safer Births

A new study published in the 2025 Journal of Perinatology offers valuable insights into how opioid detox and medication assisted treatment during pregnancy can affect newborns with neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome (NOWS). 

Investigating the Link

In recent years, the devastating toll of the opioid epidemic on infants has become a difficult clinical challenge to navigate. This new research explores how medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD), such as methadone and buprenorphine, influence neonatal health outcomes.

Medication is commonly used to manage withdrawal symptoms and prevent relapse during opioid detox. For pregnant women these medications can reduce illicit opioid use and improve maternal health but their impact on newborns requires careful clinical management.

The study found that infants exposed to MOUD in utero experienced varying effects depending on the medication used.

Tailored Medication Assisted Treatment

Historically methadone has been the standard for pregnant women dealing with opioid use disorder but buprenorphine has gained popularity of late due to its potentially milder withdrawal symptoms.

Infants exposed to buprenorphine showed shorter hospital stays, less need for pharmacologic care after delivery and lower withdrawal assessment scores.

These findings emphasize the importance of individualized treatment plans during pregnancy. However researchers caution that buprenorphine isn’t a perfect solution. Some infants still require medical intervention highlighting the complexity of neonatal withdrawal management.

Hope for Mothers and Newborns

The study highlights how medical detox and supervised MOUD regimens can reduce the risks associated with opioid use during pregnancy. With ongoing research and clinical oversight healthcare providers can offer safer more effective treatment options for mothers and their babies.

If you or someone you love is pregnant and struggling with opioid use, medical detox can be a safe first step toward recovery.

Search detox programs near you or call 800-996-6135(Sponsored) to find professional help today.