Some women use painkillers during pregnancy to treat health conditions such as back pain. But using painkillers while pregnant can cause problems for both the mother and her baby, especially when these addictive medications are misused. If you become pregnant while using painkillers, talk to your doctor as soon as possible to discuss the risks and benefits of continued use. If you’re pregnant and suffering from painkiller addiction, understand that getting help at drug rehab can reduce the risk of other serious health problems such as neonatal abstinence syndrome, birth defects, and overdose.
Statistics for Painkiller Use During Pregnancy
- Opiate use by pregnant women increased from 1.19 per 1,000 births in 2000 to 5.63 in 2009.
- Rates of neonatal abstinence syndrome in the U.S. increased almost 5-fold from 2000 to 2012 in tandem with rising rates of opiate use among pregnant women.
- Only 37% of pregnant women suffering from painkiller abuse receive medication-assisted treatment using methadone or buprenorphine at drug rehab.
- Every 25 minutes in the U.S., a baby is born suffering from opiate withdrawal.
What are the Risks of Using Painkillers While Pregnant?
Opioid use during pregnancy doesn’t just affect the person using the substance; it also affects the baby. When opioids cross the placenta, they expose the developing fetus to significant risks. Babies may be born with life-altering conditions such as birth defects affecting the brain, spine, or heart. Neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS), where babies withdraw from drugs they were exposed to in utero, is another harsh reality. These babies often experience tremors, irritability, poor feeding, and even seizures. There’s also the risk of miscarriage, stillbirth, and premature birth — each one carrying long-term developmental challenges for the child. The earlier you get help, the better the chances are for both you and your baby.
Possible risks of painkiller use during pregnancy include:
- Birth defects of the brain, spine, or spinal cord.
- Birth defects of the baby’s abdomen, where the intestines protrude outside the body.
- Problems with the development and structure of the baby’s heart.
- Miscarriage.
- Stillbirth.
- Preterm delivery.
- Low birth weight.
- Placental abruption.
- Neonatal abstinence syndrome.
What is Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome?
Neonatal abstinence syndrome, or NAS, is when babies are born dependent on opioids or other substances used by their mothers during pregnancy. Babies with NAS experience withdrawal symptoms that begin within 3 days of birth and that can last anywhere from 1 week to 6 months after birth.
Most babies with NAS must recover in neonatal intensive care units so they can be closely monitored by medical staff. Treatments for NAS include receiving fluids to prevent dehydration, drinking higher-calorie baby formula to promote growth, and medication therapy using methadone or buprenorphine to reduce opiate withdrawal symptoms.
Babies born with NAS may experience the following withdrawal symptoms:
- Excessive crying
- Yawning
- Sweating
- Sneezing
- Nasal congestion
- Twitching
- Tremors
- Increased muscle tone
- Poor sleep
- Poor feeding
- Rapid breathing
- Irritability
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Hyperthermia
- Seizures, in 2 to 11% of babies with NAS
How is Painkiller Addiction Treated During Pregnancy?
If you’re pregnant and addicted to painkillers, don’t stop taking opioids on your own without professional help, since doing so can result in severe health problems for both you and your baby. Instead, seek drug detox at an inpatient drug rehab center where you can receive intensive care and medications such as methadone or buprenorphine that reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms. Pregnant women who suffer from painkiller dependence and who are treated using methadone or buprenorphine can experience a safer, more comfortable recovery, and give birth to babies with less severe NAS, higher weight, and higher gestational age.
Postpartum Support and Breaking the Cycle of Addiction
Recovery doesn’t end at delivery. It’s just the beginning. After giving birth, many mothers need continued support to maintain sobriety and ensure the health and stability of their family. The postpartum period can be challenging, but with the right care, it can also be a time of growth and renewal. Treatment programs that offer support for both the mother and baby can help rebuild a healthy family unit, giving everyone the tools they need to thrive. Breaking the cycle of addiction isn’t easy, but with ongoing care and commitment, it is possible to create a brighter future for both you and your child.
Stigma and Emotional Challenges
Dealing with painkillers and opioid use disorder during pregnancy is tough, but the emotional toll can be even harder. Many women face judgment or fear of legal consequences when they seek help, which can stop them from reaching out to the care they need. This stigma is not only harmful but also dangerous — it can delay treatment and increase risks for both the mother and the baby. If you’re struggling, know that there’s no shame in asking for help. Compassionate, non-judgmental care is available, and the first step toward recovery is often the hardest but also the most important. You deserve support, not criticism.
America’s Rehab Campuses offer drug and alcohol detox treatments that can help pregnant women safely overcome their substance use disorders. ARC also offers a range of drug and alcohol rehab programs that can be customized to help pregnant women experience a long-term recovery from addiction. If you or a loved one is suffering from addiction, contact us today to begin the treatment process.
