The first thing to know as an expecting parent with opioid use disorder (OUD) is that you’re not alone. Many people find themselves wondering how to navigate OUD and pregnancy.
The next thing to know is that you can find care that prioritizes both your future baby’s health and your own well-being. Many people are able to safely take Suboxone for OUD symptoms during pregnancy. Learning about the risks and benefits of taking Suboxone can help you make the best decisions with your care team.
Pregnant people deserve the same access to life-changing treatment as anyone else. As you manage OUD during pregnancy, Groups is here to help you overcome addiction and be the kind of parent you want to be. With support and professional guidance, you’ll have the best chance at meeting your goals in and beyond recovery.
In this article, we’ll answer eight common questions about Suboxone and pregnancy. We’ll also explain how Groups tailors OUD treatment for pregnant members.
Answers to 8 questions about Suboxone and pregnancy
Suboxone treatment is an important part of care plans for many expecting parents. Preventing cravings and withdrawal is critical for your health and your future baby’s. However, it shouldn’t be the only treatment you receive.
Comprehensive treatment helps improve both recovery and birth outcomes. For example, support groups with other pregnant people in recovery can offer parents and parents-to-be a powerful sense of community and understanding. Comprehensive programs can also provide helpful guidance for physical and mental health during and after pregnancy.
So, what do pregnant people who are curious about treatment with Suboxone need to know? Here are our answers to eight common questions about taking the medication in pregnancy:
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Is it safe to take Suboxone during pregnancy?
Recent studies have shown that Suboxone is safe to take during pregnancy. Leading medical experts recommend taking Suboxone in pregnancy rather than leaving OUD untreated. Untreated OUD can lead to health problems for the parent or the baby. Potential concerns include low birth weight, premature birth, or loss of the child.
Your medical history, health, and experience with OUD create a unique set of treatment considerations. Anytime you start Suboxone, you should work closely with a qualified prescriber.
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Will Suboxone harm my baby or cause birth defects?
Studies on Suboxone use during pregnancy haven’t shown that it causes birth defects. Some show a correlation between Suboxone during pregnancy and lower cognitive development scores. These aren’t the same as developmental delays, however. Other social or behavioral factors, like economic status, education level, or tobacco use, may have influenced the data.
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Is there a risk of babies being born with withdrawal symptoms?
Taking any opioid in the days before giving birth can cause neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS). This is when newborn babies have withdrawal symptoms. When parents take Suboxone, NAS symptoms are generally less severe than in children whose parents took methadone. They also don’t require treatment as often.
The following are some common symptoms of NAS:
- Trouble breathing
- Extreme drowsiness (sleepiness)
- Difficulty with feeding
- Irritability
- Sweating
- Tremors
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
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Should I taper off Suboxone before or during pregnancy?
You shouldn’t stop taking Suboxone or change your dose unless your prescriber tells you to. Withdrawal symptoms can lead to preterm birth, fetal distress, or miscarriage.
Opioid use during pregnancy can lead to these outcomes, too. It can also cause poor fetal growth or death of the parent or child.
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Can I nurse/breastfeed while taking Suboxone?
It’s generally safe and encouraged to take Suboxone when nursing/breastfeeding. Only a very small amount of the medication makes it into the milk. Even less makes it into the baby’s system.
Nursing/breastfeeding has many benefits, even when a parent is in recovery. It can help you bond with your baby, reduce stress, and reduce levels of NAS.
It’s still possible for babies to experience common difficulties related to nursing/breastfeeding while you’re taking Suboxone. They may have trouble breathing or become drowsy. They may also show developmental delays or slowed weight gain. This is most likely in younger children who are only fed through nursing. Keep a close eye on your baby and call a doctor right away if you notice anything unusual.
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How should I prepare for delivery and postpartum care?
Your OB/GYN and OUD treatment team should help you develop your birth plan. Your Suboxone prescriber can help you plan your dosage and tapering before your due date if needed. Your plans should include pain management solutions for during and after labor. You should also plan for potential NAS monitoring.
It’s important that your OB/GYN and addiction treatment provider communicate. Make sure both providers know about all medications you’re taking. Any changes in your treatment plan should also be discussed.
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What if I use again during pregnancy?
The challenges of pregnancy and preparing for childbirth can create a lot of stress. Using again during this time isn’t a moral failing, but a part of your recovery process. If you use while pregnant, you should tell your OB/GYN and OUD treatment team as soon as possible.
Establishing trust early in the treatment process can help. When you can be honest and feel free of judgment from providers, you can create the best outcomes for your child and yourself. Attending a support group or finding a counselor may also help you care for yourself.
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How do I find specialized care for pregnancy and addiction?
Typical OUD support groups and care providers may not be able to provide the best care for people who are pregnant. There’s a lot of stigma around opioid use during pregnancy in treatment communities.
Finding providers who are experienced with evidence-based treatments for pregnant people is key. Look for programs that integrate OUD treatment with prenatal care.
Receive Suboxone and specialized support during pregnancy at Groups
Compassionate and personalized care is within your reach. Our specialty pregnancy group is led by care team members with specialized training in supporting pregnant and postpartum individuals with substance use and mental health needs.
It combines the evidence-based Centering Pregnancy framework with our proven group therapy model. With member-centered care, we help pregnant members engage more deeply and build trust with their care team.
The curriculum blends clinical education, emotional support, and connections to local community resources. Families who need anything from nutrition education to child care can get connected to the right resources. For example, our Kentucky care team partners with Baby Steps and KY-Moms MATR to offer wraparound support.
Our curriculum includes:
- Family-centered care — Easier Together model for treatment, supervision, and postpartum planning
- Education topics — Medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD) and pregnancy, pregnancy planning, marijuana use, postpartum depression, harm reduction, and safe use of anesthesia
- Resource navigation — Identifying critical supports and available resources
- Recovery skills — Help preventing opioid use, emotional regulation, coping strategies, trauma recovery, relationship-building, and healthy living
Our members’ stories speak for themselves. In surveys, participants said they gained meaningful support from peers in the group. They also said they felt more informed about how pregnancy and recovery interact.
As of 2025, members of our pregnancy groups have achieved the following results:
- 85% of pregnant members are actively engaged in care
- 99% do not use illicit opioids
- 95% do not use stimulants
- Increased attendance at OB care appointments
- Average group attendance exceeds 85%
No human being and no parent is perfect. However, we’ve seen firsthand how people can change their lives for the better with the right support.
Are you looking for care providers who can provide OUD treatment during pregnancy? Give our Recovery Support Specialists a call today.
We provide treatment across the country — and we’re always expanding. See if we offer care in your state, either online or at one of our 130+ local offices. If Groups does not offer treatment in your area, you can locate other treatment options here.
