Can a pregnant woman be detoxed from methadone?

[Wendylee]

I am thirty years old and have been trying desperately to change my life over the past few years. I have been using on and off for seventeen years, and have been through eight inpatient treatments and many other outpatient and detox facilitys. I've always wanted to stop but it's been a difficult road. My addiction progressed to herion and I ended up on the methadone maintenence program about four years ago. The first two years were rough but thanks to the grace of God and my family I have been clean now for over a year and a half. My husband and my son have been my anchor to reality and responsibility. My husband does not smoke, drink or use drugs and never has(how we ended up together is a mystery). Also through a stroke of luck I got pregnant with my first son during a time in my life that I was clean, so there where no problems with him at birth. The only problems we have with him is the horrible separation anxiety he suffers from because of my past behavior. I have been to many detoxes during his life and he did not understand why mommy had to be gone and also while I was using I wasn't home much, so that didn't help. Anyway I have been coming down on my methadone dose since last July and I am down to 40mgs. I recently found out I was pregnant. I really wanted to be off the methadone before this happened, but that is not how things have worked out. My husband and I are happy about the baby, we are just worried. I don't want my baby to go through withdrawls because of my problems. I have a big problem with that! The bad part is everone including the clinic I go to says I could miscarry if I detox, but I have read otherwise from mothers that were in the same boat as me. I am so confused. I acually went down at least 10mgs possibly 15mgs before I found out I was pregnant, so I really want to detox if I can. Any information I could get regarding this matter I would be very grateful for. Thank you in advance.   Wendylee

[parrisrocks101]

Hii first, congratulations on the pregnancy every baby is a child of God and a miracle. I am also pregnant I am 14 weeks alone and on methadone for 9 months I was on 120mg 4 weeks ago and now I am down to 80. I have been dosing down at 10' mg a week I DO NOT ADVISE THAT EVER UNLESSS the methadone hit you extremely hard like it did to me. I got to such a high dose because I wanted to feel it but now that I do not want to be high anymore and got into my second trimester I wanted to start going down, and since I was so high and it effected me greatly mr dr. And myself thought it would be better to dose down at 10mg. I going to continue to dose down as much as my body allows me without withdrawing which  by the grace of God will be all the way but I will stop dosing down at by 10 mg soon and go down to 3 a week because that's a lot less severe difference to your body. You have to make sure your staying healthy and watch your body for withdrawals because feeling wds can put so much stress on your fetus that it may cause miscarriage or stillborn. I had an idea to do an inpatient at a hospital and withdraw there with the help of the doctors giving me nutrients and w.d medicine and monitor my baby and myself to make sure we're okay, but I have no idea where I could find somewhere that would do that. So GOOD LUCK God bless!

[nursegirl6572]

Hello, congrats on your pregnancy.  This thread is really old, you'll get a lot more input if you start your own thread:

http://www.medhelp.org/posts/new_with_new_subject?forum_id=77

You definitely need to talk with your OB and listen to his/her recommendations.  Typically, detoxing during pregnancy isn't advised, for the reasons you listed.  Methadone is actually the preferred drug to treat opiate addicted expecting mothers.  

I wouldn't advise decreasing your dose until you're seen by your OB and formulate a plan.  Best of luck to you!

[Kayla120109]

Hi, my name is Kayla and I am 23 years old. I am 3 weeks pregnant and currently on 3 milligrams of Methadone daily. I just recently came down from 4 to 3, 3 days ago. I have talked to the Methadone doctor and nurses, read many forums and statistics. None of them seem to pertain to my low dosage. Most of them talk about being on 30 milligrams or higher. I had already begun my tapper (or "detox" however you want to put it) at least 6 months ago. I am currently coming down 1 milligram every 2 weeks at least. The Methadone Doctor told me that I need to stay on Methadone, possibly even increase my dose and to detox after I give birth or else I will be at a very high risk for miscarriage. I just broke down into tears and rage. He also said he would have to do some research because he was unsure but knew that there has been many successful and completely healthy births while on Methadone. Then the Methadone Nurse told me that 3 milligrams is not that serious and if I felt fine to continue my tapper. She said that at the end of the day the Methadone clinic is only concerned about getting their $15 a day.
I hate myself for becoming pregnant while on Methadone and I am just at a total loss! I do not want my baby born addicted to Methadone and having to go through withdrawals his or her first weeks born. This innocent baby does not deserve to go through any of this! I have yet to talk with my OBGYN because I am still waiting for my insurance to come through. I just don't know what to do!
If anyone knows anything about Methadone and pregnancy (pertaining to my low dosage) please help. I am just a mess and extremely conflicted on the right thing to do.

[Abbie0115]

I am in the same boat almost to the exact MG and insurance hold for doctor at almost 5 weeks. Please let me know what you decided and how everything went. Thanks for sharing

[Mommatobemichelle]

Also, my baby inside is perfectly healthy!

[Mommatobemichelle]

Also I do not live in the states so I'm not sure where places would be tree to et help but here it's covered by ohip which covers medical for Canadians. I DID not plan on getting pregnant right now! I started using after surgeries on my stomach and was prescribed opiates. After 4 months of being on them and taken off I with drawled and started buying from a older friend I knew that was prescribed oxys. Over 3years ago I woke up one morning and said enough is enough after 2 & half years of using I could not deal with t anymore! I made the decision to detox myself but only made it to day 4. I then decided to enrol myself in the OATC(Ontario Addictions Treatment Centre) I only used for a month while starting the program and decided to go through little withdrawal until my methadone drink was at a stable dose. I would not let myself go past 75mgs. After a year and a half I started coming down and have been for the past year and a half. I foun out I was pregnant 2 months ago and made the decision to continue coming down. The lower you get he less you come down each week here. Each month before I was coming down 5 mgs and now have been coming down 3 mgs each week. The second semester is the safest time to come down an you are not supposed to come down during the 1st and the don't like you coming down in the 3rd. I'm proud to say I have not touched any pills in over 3 years! I knew that day I was DONE with drugs and changed my life! I am now at 18 mgs and am 19 weeks pregnant (4 & a half months). If anyone has any questions your more then welcome to message or email me! I have come along way!

[Mommatobemichelle]

I have been coming down weekly for the past 2 months. I am at 18 mgs and my baby is perfectly healthy! I was high risk for the first trimester due to stomach issues and am now out. Yes there is a high chance your baby will have withdrawals but if ou don't at least come down slowly the withdrawal will be alot worse. My doctors tryed to convince me I could kill my child but I went and saw a lady that deals with these situations. I have been coming down 3 mgs each week. The only thing is if you feel withdrawal symptoms you have to tell them ASAP! They will then stop you from coming down. I haven't felt any withdrawal symptoms except now and that's just restless legs and you get leg spasms anyways while pregnant. If you have any questions I'm here for you!

[MotherOf3andAhalf]

I am a mother of 3 and never used to touch pills PERIOD until i found out i have a back problem and I had 3 different surgeries on my wrists following my last child, who is now 18 months. I was put on pain pills and sure enough, THEY DON'T DISCRIMINATE!!! I became addicted, when i tried to stop on my own the pain was unbearable and I would get sicker than any human should ever have to be! I have VERY strong will power, this isn't about will power. This is a medical problem I am fighting. So i discussed with my family and friends about the options and I started the MMT about 4 months ago. It has been very rewarding for me to not wake up in the mornings and cram my mouth full of pills. I just found out I'm pregnant 4 days ago!!! Definitely NOT planned! However, I don't want to kill my baby OR EVEN RISK IT!!!! With that being said, I will STAY on the methadone, I am at 140mgs and I'm sure I will have to go up, as i am small and I metabolize it quickly. I have felt detox, I've even felt precipitated withdrawals!!! And that my friends is THE WORST!!! You don't die, but you want to!!! So I DO NOT want my baby to suffer these things, however, with the treatment the baby will get when it's born I am at peace with it. My husband thinks it ***** too but we are ok with it because we know our child will be ok! They will slowly get my child off of the methadone. So it will not feel most of the withdrawals, and although people obviously have a terrible outlook on pregnant women and MMT,I AM GLAD MY BABY WILL LIVE!!!!! Someone said to me at the clinic one day that detoxing from my dose would be the cheapest abortion ever... SCREW THAT. NO I DIDN'T PLAN THIS BUT I WILL NOT KILL MY CHILD! I also didn't plan on getting addicted to the narcotics I was on. But it happened and I am dealing with it. ONE DAY AT A TIME!!! Best of luck to everyone out there struggling with people like the guy above that thinks his EX is such a dog for being A HUMAN!!!! ugh that makes me sick!!

Cayla :)

[Jbell322]

I am about 4 weeks and on 18mg, however ever since I found out I was pregnant my dose is not enough, I have been taking methadone pills on top of my dose and my dr wants to uo my dose.  I would like to get off but cannot handle the wd... any advise?

[cixaxu]

what ended up happening? i would've taken her with me to discuss it if you felt you had to do what she wanted... some times passed since then so how'd everything pan out?

[skinnieminnie]

I'm currently 9 weeks pregnant and I've been on methadone for 5 months. I've been on birth control for 13 YEARS. I never planned on getting pregnant while in treatment, you can't hold everyone to a standard like that. Accidents do happen. I'm a perfect example. I took my birth control every day on time like clockwork and still wound up pregnant. Some things are just meant to be. I'm hoping to detox in my 2nd trimester because that's the safest time to do so. However, the attitude you have about it is exactly why people hide it in the first place. It adds to the stigma that we're some kind of junkie or something, and NO newly pregnant mom wants to be thought of like that. So by all means, be upset that she wasn't honest with you, be upset that she was hiding it from you, but please, please, please don't be upset about the methadone itself. It's the first step towards a cleaner, healthier lifestyle and it's way safer than using any drugs off the street. For both of your sakes, please give her the support she needs and don't make her feel like a junkie because that's the last thing she needs and the clinic does a fine job of that on their own anyway. Please don't be mad at the methadone and why she's using it, it's because it's the only safe treatment. She can stop cold turkey if you want, but you run a very high risk of losing that precious baby. Put yourself in her shoes and just try to be the best support you can be, if not for her then for that baby and yourself.

[Rene8905]

I am 36 weeks pregnant & have been on methadone for 8 years. I have weaned down to 5 mgs a day now. I hope to be completely off in the next 2 days. My due date to deliver the baby is in 4 weeks. Will my baby have withdrawls? My main question is- how long must the mother be free & clean of methadone for the baby to not have withdrawls at birth? Thank you for any answers & support. R.D.

[sb1981]

People like you should be ashamed..  You've obviously never been through anything in life that was actually "real", otherwise you wouldn't be so quick to judge..  I pray you never find yourself in a situation that others could judge you so quickly.. But let me guess - You would never do that, right??  

[fm3dub]

did your baby suffer withdrawals?

[ronniew81]

what a horrible thing to say, who the heck DO you think YOU!! are? PERFECT? I fear not, tis person asked for help not judgement. Obviously she has seen a baby detoxing, that's why she's trying to get off it You un- empathetic human being,I bet you believe gay people chose their sexuality as well. Informtion would have been nice, not your unnecessary comments.

[btock94]

I been on half a methadone a day since i found out i was pregnant. i stopped in the 3rd month but relapsed in the 4th and been taking a half since..im determined to make today my last day so that she doesnt go threw withdrawls when she is born. 6 months today... plz help me figure out if she could still have withdrawls or what percentage is it that i could miscarry if i stop??

[Drea0223]

I am currently on methadone and pregnant.  Detoxing while pregnant can cause serious harm to the fetus and it usually leads to miscarriage.  You need to go to some support websites and read about other moms who have done it.  I did.  I also worked with my counselor and she told me that 8 of her patients have had babies on methadone.  All 8 of there healthy babies left the hospital after 72 hrs with no withdrawal symptoms.  Every baby is different but instead of trying to detox while pregnant you should be going up on your dose.  Its because your metabolism of the medicine is off when your pregnant.  I have a great website for you to check out.....Everyone of the ladies is giving support to eachother and letting everyone know what to expect....here goes,  

http://www.excoboard.com/methadone_pregnancy_information/86375/1458897

[gnarly_1]

Stephy I dont think there is a comfortable waty to detox of heroin or methadone your best bet is to get a hold of your obgyn andd let them decide what to do you may get stuck on methadone because it is safer then heroin and legal this is something your doctor must decide for both your safety as well as your child good luck and God bless......Gnarly  

[n8tiv_ndn]

my bad...I meant to say Post a Question located at  top of page....peace...

n8tiv_ndn

[n8tiv_ndn]

hey stephy you are posting on an old thread.....cut and paste your question into a new Post A Comment and you will get a lot of support.....stay strong peace...........

n8tiv_ndn

[StephyB12]

I am almost a month pregnant .. I just found out . But I'm currently doing heroin daily .. I dOnt want to go on methadone at all ! But they sed it's dangerous to detox .. Even tho I'm only One month do u think it will hurt the baby?  Or if I have a comfortable detox will the baby be ok? Any1 with answers would rlly help.. Thanks

[adgal]

This is a subject I could discuss forever.  It's really hard to get pregnant woman, and women with children to get help simply because they are scared.  The judgement, or fear of losing their children or babies, it's just so hard for them.  My city has actually launched a pilot project geared toward keeping addicts and those with mental health issues out of the legal system.  Now, a crime is a crime, and if an actual crime is committed, then that is different.  But when it's possession for personal use, or something of that nature, then we are finally beginning to realize prison is not the answer.  We even have a new branch of our police force where this is there focus.  It's slow, but there is forward movement.  Hopefully we will get to the point that those who want treatment can reach out and get it without fear of legal repurcussion.  I think that is the number one reason I am given for pregnant women not getting help when they desperately want to get clean.  

The OB's at my agency are specially trained to help pregnant women who are addicted.  We are so busy as it's a safe place for them to get help without judgement.  I hope to see more of that as well.  You are so right, shame helps no one, and in all honesty, anyone addicted trying to get clean deserves nothing but our utmost respect.  

[marycarmel]

Very well said.  And I wholeheartedly agree that part of the problem is the legal system.  I've worked in the court system, and for the most part, they're just not that interested in making sure addicts are given good resources to help them with their addiction.  Our prisons and jails are filled with people that are ill and need help, not punishment, at least for the most part.

I've been fortunate, as well, to not had to deal with addiction, though I've had a taste of it due to dependence.  And I've seen what addiction can do as I've had many family members with addiction problems.  People that are uneducated seem to think it's a matter of will power or character.  Shame doesn't help anyone get better.

[adgal]

I feel the need to comment on this thread. I have been fortunate enough to miss the addiction road, but I do work daily with folks struggling with addiction in various forms.  When I read some of the comments on this thread, I can say that I find it very hurtful.

Being addicted does not mean that people care less about their children.  It does not mean they love their children any less.  It means that are addicted to something, plain and simple.  It is not disgusting or immoral, it is an illness.  I have had moms to be crying in my arms they so badly want off the drugs.  One of the problems I see quite frankly, is the legal system.  So many pregnant women are terrified to reach out for help for fear of being harshly judged or losing their children.  It is scary and difficult.  To anyone experiencing this problem I always encourage you to reach out for assistance.  If you feel your Dr. will judge you, find another.  Look for a local non profit that deals with this sort of thing.  They are out there.  Sometimes the decision is made to wean, other times to maintain, but these decisions should always be made with the assistance of a qualified Dr.  These babies can lead healthy and normal lives, and many of the families I see going through this are able to stay together.  Do your homework and find help.  It's there, and not everyone is going to judge you.  There are lots of agencies out there like the one I work for who's goal is to help stabilize and keep families together, and baby healthy.  To anyone going through this, I wish you nothing but the best.  

[Selena78]

I agree, addiction and recovery differ for everyone, we are here to HELP, not insult one another. That is great that your husband got sober so easily. I care about my children as I am sure many of us do. I am not a cruel person so I won't say much more but I feel sorry for you that you would be so hateful to someone who so obviously needs support.
To the people who do understand that it's not that easy please support us. We can't knock each other down. I hope everyone will find the help they need. I hope I will find someone on here to give me advice on how to quit. Sorry that I am not made of stone and cannot quit cold turkey. I will be praying for you