Management of women treated with buprenorphine during pregnancy

The management of pregnancy and delivery of a woman on opiate-substitution therapy with buprenorphine requires a coordinated team approach by social services, addiction medicine, obstetrics, and pediatrics. Her obstetrical care is further complicated by the unique pharmacology of buprenorphine and the issues of pain management. Obstetrical providers should be familiar with the complex issues surrounding the optimal care of these women.