im 37 weeks pregnant and addicted to vicodins.. i need so facts..

[worried1225]

Im 30 yrs old and 37 weeks pregnant. Ive been using vicodin for @ 3 yrs for back and other pain, when i found out i was pregnant i lowered my useage but i still use vic's everyday for pain, sometimes i wonder what effects its has on my mind because i feel as if i need it everyday. Now that im so far im scared of what effects my baby will have as a result of my vicodin use.. Can someone please give me some facts on vic's an my unborn baby.. im scared to withdrawl from them while im pregnant, an im scared to make him withdrawl when he is born.. what should i do????

[ActingBrandNew]

You shouldn't get in any trouble since your OB is prescribing them. Yes...your baby will have to go through withdrawals but the hospital will put him/her on a taper plan as soon as he/she is born. From what I read...the tapers usually go about 2 weeks.

You may want to start a new thread with this question.

Good luck

[wifey10272006]

Hi I am currently 30 weeks pregnant and I have been getting vicodins prescribed to me for the last 2 or 3 months and I have took them before I got prescribed for a nerve and pain in my hips I take 2 mayb 3 a day and I'm wondering that since I get them prescribed by my ob doctor when I go to have the baby could I get in any trouble and will the baby with drawl and I have not took any in 2 days I don't feel any withdrawals just pain in my hips

[girlybuff]

It's quite common to be prescribed narcotic painkillers during pregnancy for chronic conditions, I was.  I managed to taper before she was born but she was very healthy.  You do need to tell your dr though because if the baby shows signs of being addicted and goes through withdrawal, although they can help the baby very easily through that, you could get into trouble and the signs are unmistakable.
It's too late to taper now.  You're too far along and it would put too much stress on the baby and cause you to go into pre-term labor.  Your dr is there to help you, talk to him/her.  Try to limit your intake and drink lots of water.
Good luck to you.    

[Zurich42]

I agree with IBKleen - it is better for you to be up front and honest with your doctor's NOW so that they are prepared.  Aside from your narcotic usage and the baby's potential dependency, you will still need some type of pain-killer during delivery.  You put yourself and your baby at risk if you do not communicate to your doctor's what you are currently taking - especially when you go in to have your baby.  Talk to them about a tapering schedule NOW or soon after the birth.  Believe me, I work in the hospitals and see this all the time - it is nothing new to them.  
I know you're anxious.  I have a back-ground in genetics (12 years ago), but am not a doctor.  Nor can I tell you if your baby will be affected by the Vicodin.  I can tell you though that your success and your baby's will be better determined when you communicate to your doctor's the 'prescribed' daily dosage, duration and 'your frequency' of using Vicodin.  Help them help you.
We'll be here to chat - keep us posted.  

[IBKleen]

I can only tell you the same thing I always say. Tell your OBGYN what is going on now. Let them in on it. Your doc may put you on a taper schedule, but at least they will know. No surprises. They see this every day and if there is a problem at birth, they NEED to know and be prepared for it.