Opioids and Pregnancy: Risks, Safety, and What You Need to Know

When you're pregnant and dealing with chronic pain, opioids, a class of powerful pain-relieving drugs that include oxycodone, hydrocodone, and morphine. Also known as narcotics, they can feel like the only option—but they come with serious risks for your baby. Using opioids during pregnancy doesn’t just affect you. It can lead to neonatal abstinence syndrome, a condition where newborns experience withdrawal symptoms after being exposed to opioids in the womb. Babies with NAS may cry nonstop, have trouble feeding, shake, or even have trouble breathing. This isn’t rare—studies show up to 6 out of every 1,000 hospitalized newborns in the U.S. are treated for it each year.

That doesn’t mean you have to suffer in pain. There are safer ways to manage pain during pregnancy, and stopping opioids cold turkey can be just as dangerous as continuing them. The key is working with your doctor to find a plan that keeps both you and your baby as safe as possible. Some women need to stay on a low, controlled dose of medication to avoid withdrawal seizures or relapse, while others switch to non-opioid options like physical therapy, acupuncture, or certain approved pain relievers. If you’re on opioids right now, don’t panic. The goal isn’t guilt—it’s progress. Many clinics now offer specialized prenatal care for women managing opioid use, with support from nurses, counselors, and pharmacists who understand your situation.

It’s also important to know what happens after birth. If your baby shows signs of withdrawal, they might need to stay in the hospital longer for monitoring and treatment. But with the right care, most babies recover fully. And if you’re breastfeeding, some opioids are safer than others—like methadone or buprenorphine—while others, like codeine, can pass into breast milk in dangerous amounts. Your pharmacist can help you sort this out. You’re not alone in this. Thousands of women have walked this path before you, and there’s help available that doesn’t judge, just supports.

Below, you’ll find real, practical advice from trusted sources on managing pain safely during pregnancy, understanding the risks of different medications, and what to expect if you’ve been using opioids. Whether you’re trying to stop, stay on a stable dose, or just want to know your options, these posts give you the facts without the fluff.