Study Finds No Increased Neurodevelopmental Risk from Prenatal Buprenorphine vs. Methadone

A new nationwide study provides important evidence for clinicians and patients managing opioid use disorder during pregnancy. The research found no increased risk of long-term adverse neurodevelopmental outcomes for children with prenatal exposure to buprenorphine compared with methadone.

The authors state that their findings should reassure providers and individuals considering these two treatment options during pregnancy.

Key Study Details

• Lead Researcher: Sabine Friedrich, MD, a former member of the Division of Pharmacoepidemiology and Pharmacoeconomics at Mass General Brigham.
• Focus: The study examined neurodevelopmental outcomes for children with prenatal exposure to medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD), specifically buprenorphine or methadone.
• Core Finding: The research found no increased risk of long-term adverse neurodevelopmental outcomes associated with buprenorphine compared with methadone.

Background and Importance

MOUD during pregnancy can improve maternal and fetal outcomes, reducing risk of maternal overdose and preterm birth. Both buprenorphine and methadone are recommended treatments. A key practical difference is that methadone often requires daily clinic visits, while buprenorphine can be prescribed for at-home use.

Until now, studies comparing the long-term impact of these specific medications on children's neurodevelopment have been limited. This large-scale research helps fill that evidence gap.

Publication

The study was published in the journal BMJ on April 15, 2026.

The paper is titled "Prenatal exposure to buprenorphine or methadone and adverse neurodevelopmental outcomes: population based cohort study."