Overcoming a drug dependency isn't easy — UPMC offers compassionate and coordinated recovery services to anyone living with a substance use disorder. That includes pregnant people.
UPMC's experienced care providers offer comprehensive outpatient and inpatient treatment programs. These programs provide tools and resources to help manage substance use disorders. They also decrease the risks that drug use can have on your health and your family.
UPMC offers specialized care plans for persons seeking treatment of substance use disorders during pregnancy and the postpartum period. These programs help manage substance use, help individuals reach their personal recovery goals, and increase access and referral to additional programs at UPMC Magee-Womens Hospital and other UPMC facilities. These programs help people overcome opioid and other drug dependencies.
Any person admitted to UPMC Magee, UPMC Hamot, UPMC Northwest, or UPMC Horizon for any reasons and regardless of pregnancy status will be eligible for consultation and care with the Perinatal Addiction Medicine team.
UPMC's Women's Recovery Services programs include:
The UPMC Magee-Womens Pregnancy and Women's Recovery Center (PWRC) is an outpatient facility. It provides care for all women, including medication for opioid use disorder with buprenorphine products (including injectable buprenorphine) and naltrexone.
Buprenorphine is a first-line therapy option for pregnant patients with opioid use disorder. It is FDA-approved for pregnant patients and considered safe for breastfeeding.
The PWRC also provides social support services, certified peer recovery specialists, infectious disease screening and treatment, routine medical care, referral to specialty and long-term physical health care, and resources for behavioral health.
Parent Partnership Unit (PPU) is a nesting program for mothers and babies offered after delivery. The program's goal is to reduce the risk of neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome (NOWS), which can occur after a baby is exposed to opiates during pregnancy. Mothers are encouraged to comfort, support, and bond with their babies, as this has been shown to decrease the risk of NOWS symptoms requiring treatment with medication.
NOWS withdrawal symptoms can include seizures, sleep problems, feeding issues, and high-pitched crying. At the PPU, mothers are encouraged to remain in the hospital with their babies and continue to bond with them.
At the same time, care providers monitor babies for NOWS symptoms for at least five to seven days. Babies who need treatment must stay in the hospital for an average of 17 days. Mothers will be offered options to help them remain with their babies throughout that time.
UPMC Magee-Womens offers compassionate care teams to help women recover from substance abuse. These teams can include perinatal addiction medicine specialists, certified recovery specialists, and social workers.
UPMC Magee-Womens Hospital also provides patients with inpatient medication-assisted therapy (MAT) with methadone for pregnant women with opioid use disorders. Methadone is a safe, effective treatment during pregnancy. Methadone is also FDA-approved for use in pregnant patients and is safe for breastfeeding.
UPMC Perinatal Addiction Medicine provides a full range of substance use recovery services.
We treat:
UPMC Perinatal Addiction Medicine Services are available to patients who identify as women, including those who are pregnant and have a confirmed diagnosis of a substance use disorder.
Our programs are open to all who identify as women, not only those who are pregnant.
Perinatal Addiction Medicine provides the following services:
At UPMC, we know that seeking care is the greatest gift you can give yourself — and your unborn child. Perinatal Addiction Medicine provides compassionate, comprehensive care to women so they can develop the skills they need. We help them overcome substance dependencies to support healthier, happier lives for themselves and their children.
When you choose UPMC, you know you are getting:
Last reviewed by a UPMC medical professional on 2024-09-05.
