Pregnancy If you are pregnant or planning to have a child, it is important to tell your contact person and treating doctor so that you can receive the information and support you need. Based on available experience with methadone treatment during pregnancy, there is no evidence of an increased risk of birth defects.The current recommendation is to continue methadone treatment during pregnancy.Your pregnancy and delivery should be monitored by a specialized maternal care center, which will assess the conditions during your pregnancy and delivery.The shared blood volume of the fetus and the mother may lead to a lower methadone concentration. During pregnancy, from the fetus´ perspective, it is important to avoid withdrawal and to protect against repeated and uncontrolled episodes of withdrawal and oxygen deprivation.Therefore, your dose may need to be adjusted during pregnancy. Breastfeeding Always consult your doctor and midwife when taking methadone and breastfeeding to discuss the best solution for you and your baby. Small amounts of methadone pass into breast milk while breastfeeding.The benefits of breastfeeding need to be weighed against the potential negative effects on the baby. Drug abuse can affect fertility, making it harder to conceive, and can cause irregular periods. With methadone treatment, your fertility may return. That’s why it’s important to remember to use protection if you don’t want to become pregnant. 9
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