Understanding how opioid use disorder affects pregnant women and their babies

Maternal Brain Imaging in Opioid Use Disorder

Observational Indiana University · NCT06008990

This study looks at how opioid use disorder during pregnancy affects mothers and their babies, focusing on those using a specific treatment called buprenorphine.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment40 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 100 Years
SexFemale
SponsorIndiana University Academic / other
Locations1 site (Indianapolis, Indiana)
Trial IDNCT06008990 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This research aims to investigate opioid use disorder (OUD) during pregnancy and its impact on both mothers and newborns. The study will involve pregnant women with OUD who are receiving medication-assisted therapy, specifically buprenorphine, and will assess how this medication is metabolized during pregnancy. Additionally, the study will utilize brain imaging techniques to compare the brain function of mothers with OUD to those without. Blood samples and questionnaires will also be collected to gather comprehensive data on maternal health and substance use.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are pregnant women over 18 years old who are currently on buprenorphine and have a singleton pregnancy.

Not a fit: Patients who may not benefit from this study include those with serious maternal medical illnesses, HIV/AIDS, or significant mental health issues.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved treatment strategies for pregnant women with opioid use disorder and better outcomes for their infants.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have explored the effects of opioid use during pregnancy, but this specific approach focusing on brain imaging and medication metabolism is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Pregnant Women with OUD

Inclusion Criteria:

* Age: \>18 years old
* Any subject that is currently on Buprenorphine at time of screening
* Singleton pregnancy

Exclusion Criteria:

* Serious maternal medical illness
* HIV or AIDs
* Polysubstance use
* Score \>9 on the PHQ-9, and score \>0 on item 9 which is about suicidality
* Score of 8 or more on GAD-7
* Any contraindications for MRI
* Known or suspected major fetal congenital abnormalities

Pregnant Women with no history of OUD

Inclusion:

* Age: \>18 years old
* Singleton pregnancy

Exclusion:

* Serious maternal medical illness
* HIV or AIDS
* Score of \>9 on the PHQ-9, and a score of \>0 on item 9 which is about suicidality
* Score of 8 or more on GAD-7
* Known or suspected major fetal congenital abnormalities
* Any contraindications for MRI
* Opioid or polysubstance abuse as identified on urine screening

Where this trial is running

Indianapolis, Indiana

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Opioid Use DisorderSubstance-Related DisordersSubstance UsePregnancy RelatedNarcotic-Related DisordersBuprenorphine DependencePregnant with Opioid Use DisorderSubutex
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.