MAT for Pregnant Women

MAT for Pregnant Women

Safe, supportive care for two lives at once

Pregnancy can bring hope, excitement—and a lot of worry if you are also struggling with substance use. At FirePit Health, we believe every person deserves compassionate care, no matter where they are in their journey. That includes pregnant women who need support managing opioid use disorder or alcohol dependence.

Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) can be a vital part of caring for both your health and your baby's health. This page will explain what MAT looks like during pregnancy, why it’s considered safe, and how FirePit Health supports you through every step of this process.

Why MAT during pregnancy matters

Untreated substance use during pregnancy can pose serious risks for both mother and baby, including withdrawal symptoms at birth, low birth weight, premature delivery, and other complications. Stopping substance use suddenly without medical support can also be dangerous.

MAT offers a safer alternative. Using medications like buprenorphine (Suboxone®) or methadone (available through specialized clinics) during pregnancy can:

• Reduce the risk of relapse
  
• Improve maternal health outcomes
  
• Support more stable prenatal care
  
• Help the baby have a healthier start to life

At FirePit Health, we typically offer buprenorphine-based MAT combined with therapy and support, designed to promote both your health and your baby's well-being.

How MAT works for pregnant women

1. Individualized assessment

Your clinician will review your health history, substance use history, and pregnancy status to recommend the safest and most appropriate treatment options.

2. Medication planning

Buprenorphine is often recommended because studies show it is safer than untreated opioid use and associated with better outcomes for both mother and child. Our providers work closely with you to adjust dosing and monitor for side effects.

3. Integrated therapy and support

MAT is not a stand-alone treatment. Along with medication, you’ll have access to virtual therapy, emotional support, and relapse prevention planning tailored to the realities of pregnancy and postpartum life.

4. Ongoing monitoring

Regular virtual check-ins allow us to closely monitor your health, make any necessary adjustments, and coordinate with your obstetrician or other prenatal care providers as needed.

You can usually meet with a clinician within 24 hours of your intake, ensuring that care starts quickly and safely.

What to expect

Choosing MAT during pregnancy is an act of care—for yourself and for your baby. Here's what you can expect from FirePit Health’s approach:

• A nonjudgmental, supportive clinical team
  
• Personalized plans that change as your pregnancy progresses
  
• Medication management focused on minimizing risk
  
• Emotional support as you navigate recovery and motherhood together
  
• Continued support after delivery for both short-term and long-term recovery

We work with you, not against you—because pregnancy is hard enough without fear, shame, or blame.

Common Questions About MAT for Pregnant Women

Is MAT safe during pregnancy?

Yes. Current clinical guidelines recommend MAT, particularly buprenorphine or methadone, as safer alternatives to untreated substance use during pregnancy. Your provider will help you understand the risks and benefits in your specific case.

Will my baby have withdrawal symptoms?

Some newborns exposed to MAT medications may experience Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS), a treatable condition that involves withdrawal symptoms after birth. Babies born to mothers on MAT generally do much better than those exposed to unmanaged substance use.

Can I breastfeed while on MAT?

In many cases, yes. Breastfeeding is often encouraged for women receiving MAT, particularly when using buprenorphine. Your provider and pediatrician will work together to guide safe choices.

What if I relapse during pregnancy?

Relapse is not a failure. We’re here to support you through challenges without judgment. If you relapse, we’ll review your care plan, offer additional support, and help you re-engage with treatment safely.

Compassionate care when it matters most

You deserve care that sees you as a whole person—not just a pregnancy, and not just a diagnosis. At FirePit Health, we provide safe, personalized MAT for pregnant women because we believe recovery and motherhood can grow side by side. When you’re ready, we’re here—with information, support, and respect for your journey.