Is it ever OK to use opioids during pregnancy?

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists states that pregnancy shouldn't be a reason to avoid treating acute pain because of concern for opioid misuse or neonatal abstinence syndrome.

If you're pregnant and experiencing chronic pain, your doctor will aim to avoid or minimize the use of opioids. He or she will likely highlight alternative therapies, such as exercise, physical therapy and behavior therapy, and nonopioid medications. If you are prescribed opioids during pregnancy, you'll likely be told to use the medications for the shortest time possible.

If you are pregnant and have opioid use disorder, your doctor will recommend an opioid substitution medication. This involves use of the opioid medication methadone in combination with counseling and behavior therapy. This therapy has been shown to prevent opioid withdrawal symptoms, reduce the risk of relapse, and improve commitment to prenatal care and addiction treatment programs.