Episode 2: Medications for Recovery During Pregnancy

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In this episode, hosts Dr. Farzad Kamyar and Amani Wilson explore medications used to treat substance use disorders during pregnancy, providing essential education about medication-assisted treatment (MAT) options, safety considerations, and how these treatments support both maternal recovery and infant health.

The conversation features Dr. Brian K. Iriye from High Risk Pregnancy Center in Las Vegas, a maternal fetal medicine specialist who has spent more than 25 years helping women and their families achieve the healthiest pregnancy outcomes possible. His extensive experience with high-risk pregnancies brings crucial clinical perspective to understanding MAT during pregnancy.

Joining him is Dr. Manijeh "MJ" Kamyar, who contributes her medical expertise to help listeners understand the complexities of treating substance use disorders in pregnant individuals and the importance of evidence-based, individualized care.

The episode explores safe MAT options during pregnancy—including methadone and buprenorphine—and how these medications work to support recovery. The doctors discuss prenatal care protocols, when MAT can start, how it's monitored throughout pregnancy, and considerations for delivery, postpartum care, and breastfeeding. They address the benefits versus risks of medication-assisted treatment and why medical supervision is essential.

This conversation tackles common concerns and misconceptions that patients have about taking medications during pregnancy. The guests explain how they address fears with evidence-based information and emphasize that MAT is most effective when combined with comprehensive wrap-around services. Whether you're pregnant and considering treatment options, supporting a loved one, or working in healthcare, this episode offers vital, accessible information about achieving positive outcomes through medication-assisted treatment and proper medical care.

If you live in Southern Nevada, in Reno, Carson City, Churchill County, or Lyon County in Northern Nevada, or in Weber County or Davis County in Utah, and you’re pregnant or recently had a baby and using opioids or stimulants for any reason, there is non-judgmental help available to you. No referral or insurance is required. Visit empoweredmoms.org for information or to request services.

If you live outside of these areas, we encourage you to find resources in your community.

EMPOWERED Voices is a podcast production of the EMPOWERED program at Roseman University College of Medicine, supported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Overdose Data to Action Grant through the Southern Nevada Health District. This project has been funded by grant number NH28CE003534 from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement, by the Southern Nevada Health District, CDC, or the U.S. Government.

Hosted by Dr. Farzad Kamyar, and Amani Wilson.

Executive Producers are Dr. Andria Peterson and Jason Roth, with production assistance by Rachel Mack.

Recorded at the Video Podcast Studio at Canico Media in Las Vegas, Nevada.