Kratom / 7-Hydroxy Addiction During Pregnancy: Risks, Symptoms, and Safe Treatment Options
Kratom use has grown rapidly across the United States, including Tennessee, as people search for alternatives to opioids or ways to manage pain and anxiety. However, what many don’t realize is that kratom—especially its potent compound 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-hydroxy)—can lead to physical dependence and addiction. When used during pregnancy, the risks increase significantly for both mother and baby.
At Nashville Addiction Clinic, we are seeing a rising number of patients struggling with kratom and 7-hydroxy dependence during pregnancy. Understanding the risks and knowing when to seek help can make a critical difference in outcomes.
Addiction Treatment During Pregnancy—Without the Clinic
You don’t have to risk your health—or your baby’s—by trying to manage this alone. Safe, confidential treatment is available today, right from your home.
Nashville Addiction Clinic provides evidence-based Suboxone treatment through secure telemedicine, staffed by licensed Tennessee clinicians. No clinic visits required, ever.
- Statewide access across Tennessee
- Accredited by The Joint Commission
- Owned and operated by people in long-term recovery who live in Tennessee
- Mostly female staff
Register for online treatment using your TennCare Medicaid, commercial insurance, or choose a payment plan. (A sliding-scale program is also available) Click here if you’re a returning patient.
What Is Kratom and 7-Hydroxy?
Kratom is a plant derived from Mitragyna speciosa, native to Southeast Asia. It contains active alkaloids, primarily mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-hydroxy). While mitragynine produces mild stimulant or opioid-like effects, 7-hydroxy is far more potent and acts similarly to strong opioids.
Many newer kratom products are concentrated or enhanced to increase 7-hydroxy levels, which significantly raises the risk of addiction, withdrawal, and overdose.
Why Kratom Use During Pregnancy Is Dangerous
Pregnancy already places increased stress on the body. Adding kratom or 7-hydroxy into the equation introduces serious medical concerns.
Risks to the Mother
- Development of opioid-like dependence
- Withdrawal symptoms when stopping use
- Increased anxiety, depression, or mood instability
- Dehydration and poor nutrition
- Increased risk of relapse into other substances
Risks to the Baby
- Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS)
- Low birth weight
- Premature birth
- Developmental complications
- Feeding difficulties after birth
7-hydroxy’s potency makes these risks even more severe because it binds strongly to opioid receptors, similar to prescription opioids or heroin.
Signs of Kratom or 7-Hydroxy Addiction During Pregnancy
Addiction can develop gradually and may not be immediately obvious. Common warning signs include:
- Needing higher doses to feel the same effects
- Inability to stop despite knowing the risks
- Experiencing withdrawal symptoms (nausea, sweating, irritability, insomnia)
- Using kratom daily or multiple times per day
- Prioritizing use over prenatal care or responsibilities
If these signs are present, it’s important to seek medical support as soon as possible.
Avoid the Stigma: No Clinic or Pharmacy Visits—Ever
We know the frustrations and stigmas often associated with addiction treatment, as well as the time it takes to visit a clinic, sit in a waiting room with people you don’t know, wondering if you’re being judged, watching the clock in hopes of leaving within a few hours. Sadly, your day doesn’t end there. You then have to drive to a pharmacy to pick up your Suboxone medications, which can sometimes be met with judgement, stigma, embarrassment, and even rejection.
By utilizing our Suboxone telemedicine program and overnight medication delivery pharmacy partner, you’ll never have to visit a clinic or pharmacy again.
Withdrawal Risks During Pregnancy
One of the most dangerous aspects of kratom addiction during pregnancy is withdrawal. Abruptly stopping can lead to:
- Severe anxiety and agitation
- Muscle aches and flu-like symptoms
- Insomnia
- Increased heart rate and blood pressure
These symptoms can place stress on both the mother and fetus. That’s why medically supervised treatment is essential. Attempting to detox alone during pregnancy is not recommended.
Safe Treatment Options at Nashville Addiction Clinic
At Nashville Addiction Clinic, we provide telemedicine-based addiction treatment designed specifically for individuals who need safe, confidential care—including pregnant patients.
Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)
For patients struggling with kratom or 7-hydroxy dependence, MAT may be recommended. This approach uses FDA-approved medications to stabilize the body and reduce withdrawal symptoms.
Benefits include:
- Reduced cravings
- Stabilized physical health
- Lower risk of relapse
- Improved pregnancy outcomes
Telemedicine Convenience
Pregnant patients often face barriers such as transportation, childcare, and stigma. Our telemedicine model allows patients to receive care from home, making it easier to stay consistent with treatment.
Private, Compassionate Care for Pregnant Women—Without Ever Leaving Home
Nashville Addiction Clinic & Recovery Care of Columbia were awarded Tennessee’s first virtual OBOT licenses in 2024. But that’s not all:
- Accredited by The Joint Commission
- Our clinic owners are in long-term recovery
- Over 260 Google Reviews (from real patients)
- We’re proudly the first telemedicine addiction clinic in Tennessee, with a virtual medical license for treating opioid dependence
- Same-day Suboxone prescriptions
- Statewide award winner of the 2025 Best of Tennessee award for substance abuse treatment
- Over 1000 patients served since 2019
- Accepts most commercial/employee health plans, such as Blue Cross Blue Shield (all U.S. states), Cigna, Ambetter, and United Healthcare, as well as all TennCare Medicaid plans: Amerigroup Community Care, BlueCare, United Healthcare Community Plan, and Wellpoint Community Care.
- Overnight Suboxone delivery is available in most areas (a delivery fee applies)
- A compassionate team of caring doctors, nurse practitioners, counselors, and administrators who provide judgement-free care, some who are in recovery.
- Same-day appointments available every Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM (based on availability)
- Evening appointments every Monday and Wednesday until 9:00 PM
Our helpful staff is happy to answer any questions you may have. Call us or send us a text at (615) 927-7802, or message us securely using the Spruce Health mobile app.
Feeling nervous about starting telemedicine addiction treatment? Learn what to expect during your first Suboxone telemedicine appointment.
Compassionate, Judgment-Free Care
We understand that addiction during pregnancy can feel overwhelming and isolating. Our team focuses on supportive, non-judgmental care that prioritizes both maternal and fetal health.
Why Early Intervention Matters
The earlier treatment begins, the better the outcomes. Addressing kratom or 7-hydroxy addiction during pregnancy can:
- Reduce the severity of neonatal withdrawal
- Improve maternal mental and physical health
- Increase the likelihood of a healthy delivery
- Support long-term recovery for the mother
Waiting or attempting to manage the issue alone can increase risks significantly.
When to Seek Help
You should consider reaching out to Nashville Addiction Clinic if:
- You are pregnant and using kratom regularly
- You experience withdrawal symptoms when stopping
- You feel unable to quit on your own
- You are concerned about your baby’s health
Even if you’re unsure whether your use qualifies as addiction, a consultation can provide clarity and guidance.
Start Safe, Confidential Treatment During Pregnancy From Home
- Register for Suboxone telemedicine using TennCare Medicaid
- Register for virtual Suboxone treatment using commercial insurance
- Register with a Suboxone doctor without health insurance
- Register as a returning patient
- Apply for our Sliding-Scale Program
- View all Medicaid and commercial insurance plans we accept
- View our self-pay pricing (no insurance)
- We accept all major health insurance, such as BCBS, Cigna, Ambetter, and United Healthcare, as well as all TennCare Medicaid insurance: Amerigroup Community Care, BlueCare, United Healthcare Community Plan, and Wellpoint Community Care.
- Same-day appointments and Suboxone prescriptions are often available when fully-registered before 10:00 am Central Time. (based on availability)
Not sure if your insurance is accepted? Click here to verify your insurance.
Experience a safe transition from hydrocodone, oxycodone, OxyContin, heroin, fentanyl, methadone, morphine, Kratom, 7-OH (7-Hydroxy-opioids), Norcos, Percocet, Roxicodone, Vicodin, Tianeptine, Tramadol, Opana, codeine, oxymorphone, and other opioids.
If you would like to speak to someone about our telemedicine Suboxone program, please call or text us at (615) 927-7802. You can also message us securely on the Spruce Health mobile app.
FAQ Section
Is kratom safe to use during pregnancy?
No. Kratom, especially products high in 7-hydroxy, can act like opioids and may cause dependence, withdrawal, and harm to the baby.
Can my baby go through withdrawal from kratom?
Yes. Babies exposed to kratom during pregnancy can develop Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS), which may require medical treatment after birth.
Is it dangerous to quit kratom suddenly while pregnant?
Yes. Withdrawal can stress both the mother and fetus. Medical supervision is strongly recommended.
What is 7-hydroxymitragynine?
It is a potent alkaloid found in kratom that has strong opioid-like effects and a higher risk for addiction.
Can Nashville Addiction Clinic treat pregnant patients?
Yes. Nashville Addiction Clinic offers telemedicine-based care and can help develop a safe, personalized treatment plan.
Will I be judged for seeking help while pregnant?
No. Treatment providers at Nashville Addiction Clinic focus on compassionate, confidential care designed to support you and your baby.
Take the First Step Toward Safer Recovery
Kratom and 7-hydroxy addiction during pregnancy is a serious but treatable condition. With the right medical support, it is possible to protect your health and give your baby the best possible start.
Nashville Addiction Clinic is here to help you every step of the way with safe, effective, and accessible treatment options.
Start Treatment Now—Online Registration Takes Just Minutes
- TennCare Medicaid virtual addiction treatment coverage
- Commercial insurance Suboxone telemedicine program
- Self-pay telemedicine Suboxone program (make payments)
- Sliding-scale virtual Suboxone program application
You can review insurance and pricing details before scheduling, so there are no surprises.
If you have TennCare Medicaid insurance, your treatment and medication costs are typically $0. If you have commercial health insurance, we will provide you with a treatment cost estimate before scheduling your first telemedicine appointment. If you don’t have health insurance, we offer biweekly and monthly payment plans.
Related Articles
- 7-Hydroxy Addiction: Virtual Treatment That Works for Tennessee Residents
- Kratom Withdrawal: Safe, Virtual Recovery Options in Tennessee
- Virtual Treatment for Kratom and 7-Hydroxy Dependence
Resources to Help You Take the Next Step
- Kratom/7-OH/7-hydroxymitragynine addiction is another opioid addiction-related issue facing Tennessean’s, thanks to it being readily available and unregulated.
Learn more about Kratom addiction and virtual treatment options in Tennessee. - DEA.gov – Opioid Addiction Resources
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention | CDC.gov
- National Institute on Drug Abuse
- National Center on Substance Abuse and Child Welfare
Kratom Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome: What Parents Need to Know