How long does it take to get opiates out of a fetus

[Fridge89]

I am worried for my sister...she is too scared to ask but we need to know!! She has been an opiate user for quite some time...and she is now about 20 weeks pregnant. At first she did not plan to keep the baby because her last baby passed away which began her addiction. She now doesn't think she can go through with an abortion. If she stops now do you think it will be out of the baby's system by the time she gives birth? She's afraid to talk to a doctor about it but we are going to. I'm just trying to get as much info I can for her now!! PLEASE HELP & PLEASE DO NOT JUDGE!! I'm just looking for truthful, honest, and helpful answers!! Thank you all!!

[dominosarah]

Hi~

The best thing to do is talk to the OB about this and they will be able to monitor both mom and baby while she tapers down.  Going cold turkey is never advised.  I would also like to add that having her see a counselor/addiction counselor would be highly recommended.  The emotional pain we feel is what drives us to use and dealing with that will help her so much.  Once she gets off these meds she will be able to have a happy pregnancy.  I wish you both the best and a healthy baby~

[mjean15]

I was a heroin user for.a few yrs when I found out I was pregnant. I was already a patient at a suboxone clinic bc I had used subs to get off before and it helped me. I just wasnt taking them as I was supposed to I wod take them out of my mouth amd stock pile them to either sell or take when I could t get high. I found out during the first month of my pregnancy 3 weeks to be exact and I was up front w my dr and as ppl said before wds can cause you to miscarry so its actually better to be put on subutex. I took 12mg my entire pregnancy and my baby was born healthy and had no wds. Some babies do have wds but I know ppl that have jad babies while on methodone amd it seems worse. AnywYs I was discharged from the hospital after 2 days and my baby is a flourishing 8 mo th old and my dr is now tapering me off the subs. Please dont be ashamed or embarrassed bc in this case its mich better to be honest for the health of the baby!!! Good luck!!! :-)

[EvolverU]

Hi there & welcome! :)

Please, please encourage your sister to get with an OBGYN. As VIC noted, doctors are familiar with this situation. (Also, no worries, we would never judge her!). The really important thing is your sister's & the baby's health right now. If she has any doubts or fears, please, send her here for support.

We're with you both! :)

[VICourageous]

Hello & Welcome!
Yep! We do not judge around here. We are either here to share our own Experiences and give Support.

I have to agree with Mozer2828. She needs to be very up front with the DR. I have seen these kinds of post so many times on here. When one does get the DR involved they have a great big weight lifted off. The DR will not judge or be mad. They are used to these kind of things and for the safety of both her and the baby they need to know. Also the Drs will help her with the Pill situation. They will not let her go through any w/ds while she is PG.

Just keep checking your post as we do have many others out here too!

I wish both Her & the Baby the best. Be Safe! Secrets set us free.
Bless

[Mozer2828]

I think it would be best to talk to Doctor first before going off and withdrawing because the baby will have them to and would be harder to treat in the womb I'm not judging at all sweetie I want the best for your sister and her baby she needs to tell Doctor she's been using the whole pregnancy sending prayers and God bless