What should a pregnant woman maintained on methadone be advised regarding her medication during pregnancy?

A pregnant woman maintained on methadone should be advised to continue her dose and increase as needed because maintaining stable opioid levels is crucial for both her health and the fetal health during pregnancy. Sudden changes in dosage, such as tapering down or stopping the medication, can lead to withdrawal symptoms that may negatively impact both the mother and the developing fetus.

Research shows that methadone maintenance is generally considered safer for pregnant women than discontinuing treatment or switching to another medication without a solid clinical indication. Methadone helps prevent withdrawal symptoms and cravings, thereby reducing the risk of relapse into illicit drug use, which could pose greater risks to the fetus.

In some cases, increased dosage may be necessary due to the physiological changes that occur during pregnancy, which can affect how the body metabolizes medications. This careful management aims to ensure both maternal and fetal well-being throughout the pregnancy.