Saving Two Lives: How I Manage Opioid Addiction During Pregnancy

Join me, Dr. Casey Grover, as I provide a comprehensive guide to treating opioid use disorder during pregnancy, examining evidence-based approaches that protect both mother and baby through critical periods of care. The statistics are sobering - opioid use disorder in pregnancy has more than doubled in recent years, with overdoses now a leading cause of pregnancy-associated death.

• Two major medical societies (ACOG and ASAM) recommend treating with methadone or buprenorphine rather than attempting medication-free withdrawal
• Buprenorphine shows slight advantages over methadone for pregnancy outcomes, but the best choice is whichever medication keeps the mother sober
• Neonatal abstinence syndrome occurs when babies experience withdrawal after birth, but can often be managed with supportive care rather than medication
• Medication dosages often need adjustment during pregnancy as increased blood volume dilutes medication concentration
• Breastfeeding is compatible with both methadone and buprenorphine treatment
• The postpartum period brings unique challenges that increase relapse risk, requiring enhanced support for new mothers
• Two patient cases illustrate both successful treatment and the challenges of maintaining recovery while parenting a newborn

Visit centralcoastoverdoseprevention.org to learn more about preventing overdose deaths in your community.

To contact Dr. Grover: ammadeeasy@fastmail.com