Using prescribed painkillers can lead to mild to severe suboxone effects on the fetus during a pregnancy period. The case may differ between mothers during this time, so read more about what these primary dangers are.
Suboxone is a prescription treatment consisting of buprenorphine and naloxone. It is often prescribed to non-pregnant women suffering from opioid dependence and addiction. Recent studies have shown that it is equally as effective as Methadone in both outpatient and inpatient care. The drug is majorly a partial opioid agonist binding to opioid receptors without producing withdrawal effects.
Despite its effectiveness, the use of Suboxone is quite limited due to concerns about its effects on the fetus during pregnancy and possible dependence and addiction. To address these concerns, we will explore Suboxone’s effect on the fetus while delving into the effects of opioid use during pregnancy.
Birth Defects from Opioid Use During Pregnancy Period
Before we can discuss Suboxone use in the management of opioid dependence during pregnancy, it is important that we look into some of the effects of opioid use on the fetus. Usually, babies born to mothers suffering from opioid dependence have several congenital malformations. Here are some of the most common defects according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC):
Spina bifida: A congenital malformation caused by the failure of fusion of the vertebral bones resulting in the exposure of the meninges. The condition is often characterized by cognitive and physical difficulties.
Hydrocephalus: A condition characterized by the accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid in the brain ventricles due to obstruction of flow. Babies with the condition often have larger than normal heads and can suffer intellectual disabilities.
Glaucoma: Glaucoma is a condition that can result in blindness due to damage to the optic nerve.
Gastroschisis: A condition in which a defect in the abdominal wall results in the exposure of intestines to the outside environment.
Is Suboxone Use Safe During Pregnancy At All?
While no conclusive data has been acquired as to whether a pregnant woman should be put on Suboxone or not, Suboxone manufactures advise that one seeks some advice from their obstetricians before they can begin taking the drug. This is due to fears that the drug could result in Neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome (NOWS) – which are very serious suboxone effects on the fetus
It is for this reason that obstetricians recommended that should it needs to introduce Suboxone treatment during pregnancy, it should be done in the second trimester when the risk for opioid withdrawal and adverse effects to the fetus are minimized.
However, a research published in the journal Can Fam Physician in 2016 showed that the buprenorphine-naloxone combination is safe and effective for use during pregnancy as compared to drugs such as Methadone. The study showed that both mothers who took Suboxone and those who took Methadone had similar symptoms. However, infants born to mothers who took Suboxone had milder NOW symptoms as compared to those who took Methadone.
Can a Woman Stop Taking Suboxone During Pregnancy?
No two pregnancies are similar. That is to say, there is no absolute answer for this as pregnancies vary. It is advised that one seeks an obstetrician’s opinion. However, it is possible that stopping the drug would have some effects on the fetus due to the stress that could be inflicted on the mother.
For this reason alone, yes there are many dangers with suboxone effects on the fetus during pregnancy. However, it is best to speak with a physician that can help determine if you are in need of it or not. Use our physician locator to find a Suboxone physician near you.