Based on Krishnapura SR, McNeer E, Loch SF, et al., “Buprenorphine Treatment in Pregnancy and Maternal-Infant Outcomes,” JAMA Health Forum, 2025.
Opioid use disorder in pregnancy continues to be one of the most difficult and under-addressed areas of maternal health. Without treatment, it increases the risk of overdose, preterm birth, and neonatal complications.
Although buprenorphine is a well-established medication for opioid use disorder, many pregnant patients still do not receive it because of stigma, misinformation, and provider hesitation.
Why It Matters
A 2025 Tennessee Medicaid study followed more than 14,000 maternal-infant pairs to compare those who received buprenorphine with those who did not. The results were clear.
Pregnant patients treated with buprenorphine had fewer preterm births, lower rates of NICU admission, and less severe maternal morbidity. This confirms that buprenorphine is both safe and effective for the health of both mothers and their infants.
Key Takeaways
- Preterm birth rates were 14.1 percent with buprenorphine versus 20.0 percent without treatment.
- NICU admissions were 15.2 percent compared with 17.2 percent.
- Severe maternal morbidity was 5.4 percent compared with 6.9 percent.
- Overall, adverse neonatal outcomes were lower in patients treated with buprenorphine.
Clinical Pearl:
Start buprenorphine early and coordinate obstetric and addiction care. Early engagement leads to healthier outcomes for both mother and baby.
Beyond the Mic
Buprenorphine in pregnancy represents more than best practice; it is an act of reproductive justice and harm reduction. When we provide treatment without judgment, we protect two lives at once. Clinicians can help close the equity gap by offering compassionate, coordinated, and stigma-free care.
Featured Resources
Primary Study: Krishnapura SR et al., JAMA Health Forum, 2025.
Guidelines: ACOG Clinical Guidance on Opioid Use and Opioid Use Disorder in Pregnancy.
Toolkit: SAMHSA Clinical Guidance for Treating Pregnant and Parenting Women with OUD.
Listen to Transformed Minds: Delivering Better Outcomes – Buprenorphine Treatment in Pregnancy for a full breakdown of the research and clinical implications. FULL EPISODE
Stay ready. Stay aware. Stay grounded.
