Opiates and pregnancy

[Fussyfeet2]

I occasionally used opiates before I found out I was pregnant.  After finding out I was able to wean off and was successful at staying away until the 2nd trimester. I started using again to varying degrees.  Usually I would use 4-5 days then stop for a week and the cycle would continue. I rarely did more than 20 mg in one day. When I would stop I would not suffer severe withdrawals- 1 night of insomnia and a little anxiety. So I last used 10 mg 4 days ago and am 24 days away from my c section date. What are the chances my child will suffer withdrawal?

[Fussyfeet2]

I am doing ok. We go in Fri for the c section.  I have been pretty good about staying away from the pills.  I have not found the courage to tell my dr. Here in Alabama disclosure is automatically reported to DHR. I am really thinking about taking my chances. I just don't know if I am strong enough to come clean. I could lose everything.  

[dominosarah]

How are you doing?

[dominosarah]

I saw my first 4D pic with my one granddaughter.  It was pretty crazy to see considering we never had anything like that back in the early 80's!!  They didnt even like to do ultrasounds back then.  I saw 2 of the 3 grandbabies born.  It was moments i will never forget, almost like a dream.  They are the loves of my life.  Everyone here knows i am all about the babies!!  They are a gift to me and i am so grateful to be sober and clean watching them grow.  I want my actions to speak louder than my words.

I hope we stay in contact my friend~

[Fussyfeet2]

Thank you for that.  I know that there will be no way of knowing until he is here, but a little reassurance is good to hear. You are very kind to take the time to respond to me. It helps so much to simply be heard without judgment. We saw his 4d recently.  He looks just like his sister.  

[dominosarah]

I am no doctor or nurse but i would think he will be okay.  You werent doing them everyday and your dose was fairly low.  I know this is very stressful right now.  You have stopped taking them now and that is a good thing.  Usually the babies that have wd's come from a mom who has been using right up to the time of delivery using much stronger drugs.

[Fussyfeet2]

My husband knows I was taking them "every now and then" and while he never forcefully tried to stop me he was not supportive. The pills belong to him and I think he felt like he had room to say anything because he was bringing them in the house. I wish he had never brought them in but I certainly don't blame him. I am ultimately responsible for what goes into my body. Congratulations on 8 years! I know it is not easy. It has been 7 days since I have had anything and I am not suffering withdrawals. I could easily take one right now but I have no desire to. My sleep pattern has evened out and his movements are normal. At last ultrasound he was weighing ahead,  his heartbeat is always good and strong and I am exhibiting no signs of early labor.  I  am wondering if he would have withdrawal at all because I have not. We are still about 2 3/4 weeks away.

[dominosarah]

Does your husband know about all of this?

Your post tugged at my heart strings.  I have been clean for almost 8 yrs(i will be 55 shortly) and i dont want to see anyone go thru what i have been thru so when i see someone come on here and really want to do what is right makes it so much easier to talk with them.  I feel your passion for working your way out of this.  Your babies are lucky to have you~

[Fussyfeet2]

And I thank you for all your help.  I really appreciate you taking the time to talk to me.

[Fussyfeet2]

I am very worried about him. I live in Alabama (laws are very strict here- all Dr's are mandatory reporters and all cases are assigned a social worker) and I would be lying if I said I wasn't worried about myself too. He always been very active and remains so. He is my 2nd- my first never moved. My oldest is 3 now- a beautiful bright little girl.  Despite all of this we are very excited about our little boy.  His big sister is especially excited. I have been praying often and however this turns out I have made a promise to my children- I will never again sacrifice the health of my children for my own selfishness. I am hoping for a positive outcome.  

[dominosarah]

The only real reassurance will come from your OB.  Your dose was fairly low.  Babies feel what we do.  Has he been active during this time?  I know they slow down closer to the end of the pregnancy.

On a brighter note......Is this your first baby?  Nursery all done?  Your bag packed?!!  My last baby was C-Section also.  I love the smell of newborns.  I have 3 grandbabies ranging from 14 to 6 months!!!

[Fussyfeet2]

Does anyone know of any reliable resources on this?  I will be talking to my dr next week but I need some reassuring to keep me sane through the weekend.  How long will the opiates be in my system?  My baby's system?  Is he less likely to withdraw if I did not suffer withdrawal?  Is there enough time left to make sure he doesn't withdrawal? So many questions!  

[dominosarah]

You really will feel so much better once you talk with your OB.  You already are getting better just opening up to us.  Dont let the fear of the unknown get to you(easier said than done)  The truth really does set us free.  We all wish for the do overs but we know that isnt going to happen.  What we have found thru our recovery is serenity and that has allowed us a new beginning~

[Fussyfeet2]

Thank you so much. I continue to abstain from the opiates and am not going through withdrawals at all.  I just wish I knew how this will all turn out.  I have an appointment early next week- the earliest I can get in. In the meantime I will continue to search the Internet for some kind of reassurance. I wish I was better. I wish I could do it over.

[dominosarah]

Telling your secret will set you free.  You will have such a weight lifted off your shoulders.  We see all walks of life on here, doctors, lawyers, nurses, policeman, teachers etc.  Addiction doesnt discriminate. This doesnt have to ruin you at all.  You could be really proactive here now. Talk with a therapist or an addiction counselor.  Get to the bottom of why you were using as using is only a symptom of addiction.  Being driven by guilt and shame isnt very fun and we all understand that.  You have a new baby on the way and it should be a very special time in your life.  Be present for that.  I am really glad you found us here so lean on us~

[Fussyfeet2]

I plan on talking to my OB at my next appointment. I should have done so months ago- I have been so ashamed and afraid.  I just can't believe I let it go this far. I have not been getting the pills from a doctor.  The kicker is I actually work for CPS. So besides my baby being sick, this could ruin me.

[dominosarah]

Please talk with your OB about this.  They need to know just in case the baby would have wd's.  Many states are now testing the babies at birth checking for what you have described.  If the OB knows about this then maybe CPS wont be called in.  Have you thought about what you are going to do about this after the baby is born?  Are you getting the pills from a doctor?

[Bree_29]

That would be best spoken to your doctor about. But even smoking cigarettes so far into pregnancy they warn moms not to quit because your child goes through withdraws and it can hurt them. Best of luck for a healthy baby.