About to give birth, taking street methadone...will my baby get taken away??

[Patty86]

I used to be perscribed to Oxycontin and Roxycodone. When I was pregnant I heard methadone was safer and started to use that. My intentions were to slowly detox using the methadone. I had absolutely NO idea that methadone was harder to get off of! I've been trying and trying to get off this by weaning and I just can't take the withdrawals along w/ being 8 months preggo. It's too painful. I am down to 20mgs a day but, I'm scared once I deliver they will drug test and take not only the baby but, my 3 year old as well. Any one have any experience??????? I really really need to know. Please please reply!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Marce4]

I am an L&D nurse.....you MUST be honest with your Dr about your drug usage.  It is not fair to your baby for everyone not to be prepared at the time of delivery. This is not a judgement on you but you need to give your baby the best chance to get through w/d.  If he or she suffers w/d at the time of delivery and if they have any reason to suspect you are using, the baby will be drug tested witht he first urine.  Please give yourself and your child a chance.....be honest with your OB....it will only be harder on you both if you are not.  I have seen many women who are a methadone program and having children.  Maybe you should think about getting your methadone legally and going through some sort of program.....not a drug to mess with...esp if you are pregnant. I truly don't mean to be harsh but realistic.
Good Luck.....being honest with them should help lift some of the burden you have on your shoulders right  now.
Marcie

[FLaddict]

You need to come clean with the doctor. They may not test you, but if the baby is having withdrawal symptoms after its born they will test then. Better to lay it all out now than risk a problem with the baby. They need to know so they can treat the withdrawal symptoms. It is too dangerous for you to just stop taking it. And its really too late to taper. Either way you NEED to talk to your OB ASAP.

[hawaiiii]

Hi Patty,
Here's the deal:
You need to go to the nearest methadone clinic and join.  Tell you doctor about it, the clinic will take you because pregnant women are a priority but they'll want to be working with your obgyn.  Listen, seriously.  YOU DO NOT WANT TO LOWER or taper right now.  The baby will definitely be born addicted with methadone, even if you were down to 5 mg.  The thing is, his/her withdrawal wont show up for 2 or 3 days, and then its too dangerous for the baby not to be monitered.  You have no choice but to do this, because if you don't, the baby will have serious problems after you get home, then you run the risk of child protective services being called.  I think as long as you join a program now, and protect the baby your doctor will just work with you, not make calls.  PM me and I can talk to you more about this.  Just went through similar.
H

[Amanda6900]

That would make sense to drug test the baby. I would just be up front and tell your doctor.

[virgo1969]

Does your doctor/obgyn know about your addiction? If so, they will test the baby. If the baby is born with signs of distress, more than likely he/she will be tested as well.

[slk714]

hi patty, i am also pregnant, only 10 wks, and tapering off vicodin. i agree with above, you are much better off being honest with your Dr. if he/she knows you are willing to get help, from what i have heard, they will work with you (most of them). i was told it is up to your Dr. if CPS gets a call or not. but if you are honest, and they do call at least your Dr can back up the fact you are being treated, and that the baby will be detoxed safe and sound. besides, you don;t need the extra stress right now of worrying about having your babies taken. i know how scary it is to come clean, but i really think you will feel alot better.  i know tapering to quick can be very dangerous, so i would take the advice given and maybe go to clinic so you can be monitored. i also know if you have to go to the hospital after you are more than 6 months along, depending on the state, they will do a drug test. hope this helps, believe me, i understand the fear and guilt associated with your (our) problem. pm me anytime if you need to talk :)