Is Suboxone safe during pregnancy?

Yes. Research and national guidelines from ACOG, CDC, and SAMHSA show Suboxone (buprenorphine/naloxone) is safe and effective for treating opioid use disorder during pregnancy when medically supervised.

What happens if I stop Suboxone while pregnant?

Stopping suddenly can cause opioid withdrawal, which may lead to miscarriage, preterm labor, or relapse. Always talk to your doctor before making any medication changes.

What is Neonatal Opioid Withdrawal Syndrome (NOWS)?

NOWS is a temporary condition in which babies experience mild withdrawal after birth. Symptoms usually appear within a few days and resolve in 1–2 weeks with medical support.

What's the difference between NAS and NOWS?

Both describe newborn withdrawal, but NOWS is specific to opioid exposure, while NAS may refer to withdrawal from other substances as well.

Can I breastfeed while taking Suboxone?

Usually yes. Only tiny amounts of buprenorphine pass into breast milk, and breastfeeding can actually help reduce NOWS severity.

What are the side effects of Suboxone during pregnancy?

Most patients tolerate Suboxone well. Possible side effects include mild nausea, headache, or constipation, which usually improve over time.

Can I deliver vaginally while on Suboxone?

Yes. Suboxone does not interfere with your ability to deliver vaginally or with pain management during labor. Always inform your care team about your medication.

How long does NOWS last?

Most babies recover within one to two weeks, though some require brief observation or supportive care in the hospital.

What if I relapse during pregnancy?

You're not alone. Relapse can happen. CleanSlate offers immediate support, medication adjustments, and therapy to help you regain stability safely.

Is Subutex safer than Suboxone during pregnancy?

Both are safe. Some providers may prescribe Subutex (buprenorphine without naloxone) during pregnancy, though Suboxone is increasingly supported by research as safe and effective.

Can Suboxone be started late in pregnancy?

Yes. It's never too late to start treatment. Even beginning MAT in the third trimester can improve outcomes and reduce NOWS.

Can Suboxone affect labor pain management?

It can slightly reduce the effectiveness of some pain medications, so your medical team may adjust your labor plan accordingly. Always inform your doctors about your treatment.

How does CleanSlate coordinate with my OB-GYN?

CleanSlate works closely with your prenatal care provider to ensure safe dosing, fetal monitoring, and delivery planning. Collaboration is central to our care model.

Can I take Suboxone while breastfeeding?

Yes. It's considered compatible with breastfeeding, and most infants show no adverse effects.

Why choose CleanSlate for OUD treatment during pregnancy?

Because you deserve compassionate, evidence-based care. CleanSlate offers outpatient Suboxone treatment, behavioral therapy, prenatal coordination, and long-term support to keep you and your baby safe—before, during, and after birth.

What is the best treatment for opioid use disorder in pregnancy?

The safest and most effective treatment is medication-assisted treatment (MAT) with Suboxone or buprenorphine-only medication, combined with behavioral therapy and prenatal care.

Can you switch from methadone to Suboxone during pregnancy?

Yes, but only under close medical supervision. Transitioning improperly can cause withdrawal for both mother and baby.

Can Suboxone help prevent NOWS?

Yes. Studies show babies born to mothers on Suboxone have milder and shorter NOWS symptoms than those exposed to methadone or illicit opioids.

Does Suboxone cause birth defects?

No. Studies show no increased risk of birth defects in babies exposed to Suboxone during pregnancy compared to the general population.

Can Suboxone cause miscarriage?

No. In fact, staying on treatment helps prevent miscarriage by stabilizing maternal health and avoiding dangerous withdrawal.

What happens to babies after birth if the mother takes Suboxone?

Babies may be monitored for NOWS symptoms such as fussiness, tremors, or difficulty feeding—but these are temporary and resolve with care.

Will my baby go through withdrawal if I take Suboxone?

Possibly, but symptoms are generally mild and short-lived. Medical teams are experienced in managing this safely.

Does Suboxone affect breastfeeding or milk supply?

No. Suboxone does not reduce milk production, and breastfeeding is often encouraged.

Can I take other medications with Suboxone while pregnant?

Always consult your provider. Certain medications, like benzodiazepines or sleep aids, can be dangerous when combined with opioids.

What should I avoid while on Suboxone during pregnancy?

Avoid alcohol, benzodiazepines, stimulants, and tobacco. These substances increase the risk of complications for you and your baby.

How long should I stay on Suboxone after giving birth?

There's no fixed timeline. Many women continue treatment for months or years. Staying on Suboxone postpartum helps prevent relapse during this high-risk period.

What are the signs of opioid withdrawal in pregnancy?

Symptoms include cramping, sweating, anxiety, insomnia, and nausea. Withdrawal should never be managed alone—seek medical help immediately.

What's the first step to start treatment at CleanSlate?

Call (833) 505-4673 or schedule an appointment online. You'll meet with a provider for an evaluation and a same-day start to treatment in most cases.

CleanSlate Medical Providers

Compassionate, evidence-based addiction medicine—led by experienced clinicians nationwide.

Call (833) 505-4673

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Meet Our Medical Providers

Below you’ll find profiles of CleanSlate medical leaders, with additional provider profiles added over time. Each profile includes clinical expertise, referral focus, training background, and practice locations.

Dr. William "Bill" Ruby

Chief Medical Officer – CleanSlate Centers

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Satkiran Singh Grewal, MD

Regional Medical Director – Pennsylvania, Ohio & Kentucky

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Daanish Shaikh, MD

Regional Medical Director – CleanSlate Centers (Arizona, Wisconsin & Massachusetts)

View Dr. Shaikh’s Full Profile

Dr. Adeyemi Fatoki, MD

Regional Medical Director – Indiana

View Dr. Fatoki's Full Profile

Dr. Rick Michael Wesley Sloan, MD

Center Medical Director – Arizona

View Dr. Sloan's Full Profile

Dr. Matthias Muenzer, MD

Senior Medical Director – Massachusetts

View Dr. Muenzer’s Full Profile

Dr. Ismael Abu Limon, MD

Center Medical Director – Wisconsin

View Dr. Limon’s Full Profile

Who Our Providers Serve & How We Practice

CleanSlate providers deliver outpatient addiction treatment grounded in evidence-based medicine, patient dignity, and close collaboration with referral partners. Across more than 65 centers nationwide, our clinicians support patients with opioid and alcohol use disorders through coordinated, medically sound care.Our medical team includes physicians and addiction-trained clinicians who specialize in:

Opioid Use Disorder (OUD) treatment using buprenorphine (Suboxone), Sublocade, and Brixadi
Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) treatment, including Vivitrol
Fentanyl and opioid withdrawal management
Poly-substance use and co-occurring mental health needs
Behavioral health integration and harm-reduction care
OUD treatment during pregnancy
Hepatitis C screening and treatment – This page is designed both for patients seeking care and for referral partners looking to connect with experienced, reliable addiction-medicine providers.

Why Referral Partners Trust CleanSlate Providers

CleanSlate’s clinicians are not just prescribing providers—they are care partners embedded in their communities. Hospitals, ED teams, primary care practices, detox centers, OB-GYNs, and justice-involved programs rely on CleanSlate providers for:

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Rapid access to treatment

Often with same-day or next-day appointments

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Safe, effective MAT protocols

Supported by national addiction-care guidelines

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Coordinated transitions of care

Including post-discharge and post-release pathways

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Evidence-based practices

Grounded in ASAM and SAMHSA recommendations

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Experience managing complex cases

Including pregnancy, poly-substance use, and chronic relapses

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Consistent communication and reliable follow-up

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Compassionate, nonjudgmental care that reduces stigma

How to Refer a Patient to CleanSlate

We welcome referrals from:

Hospitals & emergency departments

Primary care & specialty practices

Detox, residential, and outpatient behavioral health programs

OB-GYNs and high-risk pregnancy programs

Correctional facilities & reentry services

Community organizations and case managers

Call 833-505-4673 or use our secure online referral form for fast appointment scheduling and continuity of care.

Our Commitment to Accessible, Stigma-Free Care

At CleanSlate, patients are treated with respect, compassion, and evidence-based approaches that prioritize long-term success. Our providers understand the complexities of addiction and partner closely with patients to build personalized recovery plans that work in real life. Whether someone is entering treatment for the first time or returning after relapse, we’re here to help, and we’re here without judgment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What services do CleanSlate providers offer?

Providers deliver outpatient MAT for opioid and alcohol addiction, behavioral health support where available, withdrawal management, Hepatitis C services, and coordinated care with community partners.

Can referral partners send patients directly to a provider?

Yes. Referrals can be made through our central number (833-505-4673) or via our online referral form. Providers coordinate closely with partners to ensure seamless transitions.

Where do CleanSlate providers practice?

Our physicians and clinicians serve more than 65 CleanSlate centers nationwide. Each provider page includes a list of exact locations.

Do CleanSlate providers treat pregnant patients with OUD?

Many of our clinicians, including specialty-trained physicians, offer safe and evidence-based OUD treatment during pregnancy.

Ready to Partner With Us?

CleanSlate is committed to expanding access to high-quality addiction treatment across the country. Whether you’re seeking care or looking for a trusted referral destination, our medical providers are here to help.

Call (833) 505-4673

Schedule Online