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!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[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

[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.

[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

[cathy5841]

if you are 8 months pregnant you dont really ahve time to taper off.  i really think you should be honest with your dr. about your usage, so they can be prepared to handle any emergency that might arise with the baby.  the chance of your little one being born addicted are very high.  if you tell your dr up front he will be prepared to detox the baby if need be.  and if the baby is born addicted and you have been honest with the dr  you stand a better chance against ocs, they will be called.  just thought i would give you my opinoin.  good luck to you and your little angel
cathy

[toxictome]

PM 1234betterlife...she is an OB nurse and can answer your questions.....
.i don't know the answer..
.good luck

[Firefaery1023]

I don't think they drug test you, the baby may be born addicted and show symptoms of distress though.  That is why I would still try to keep lowering yourself, at least if you are still using when your baby is born, then the withdrawals for your baby won't be so bad.