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35 wks pregnant and addicted to hydrocodone
I'm 17 and 3d wks pregnant with my 1st baby. I have been addicted to Lortab (hydrocodone) for about 18 months. I tried to stop when I found out I was pregnant but I had no support considering my mother and babys father are also addicted to painkillers. I was cutting down until I had oral surgery in late July to have my wisdom teeth extracted and they prescribed me 30 7.5 mg Lortabs then I got dry socket so they prescribed me 20 more 7.5s. Is it to late to taper off of the painkillers so my daughter wont have to go threw the pain of withdrawal after she is born? What are the effects these pills have on her and also will the hospital drug test me or her when she is born or do they only do that if she shows signs of withdrawal? Will CPS get involved if she does have the drug in her system even though my OB knew that I was prescribed these pills numerous times during my pregnancy? He has no idea about my addiction but he knows I have taken these throughout my pregnancy. Would I be able to tell them that I didnt take all of the pain pills when I had my surgery and I started hurting really bad from my migraines (he knowsI have bed migraines) and I started taking them becuase tylenol wasnt working, after all they are prescribed. I live in Oklahoma if that makes a difference into whether CPS will get involved or not. If I stop the pills now will they still be in her system at birth?
As a licensed addiction counselor, my first point of advice is DO NOT STOP WITHOUT TALKING TO A DOCTOR! You're going to have to admit that you "became addicted" to the pills from your surgeries or something. You don't HAVE to say you were addicted for longer, but it is probably safer for your baby and for you if you are honest. If you were in your first trimester, I'd tell you NO COLD TURKEY because while it never kills an adult, it has been known in some cases to cause miscarriage. You do not want to detox during pregnancy, as pregnant women rapidly metabolize opiates anyway. If anything, to stay comfortable at this point, your dose should be going up, not down, but should be regulated by a physician. I HATE to use the m-word. Methadone? I mean, you'd only be on it for a short time, and hospitals who deliver infants known to be on methadone maintenance keep the infant long enough to detox it inpatient. Otherwise, it is just not that safe. Perhaps speak to an addiction specialist and see if you can try subutex or suboxone until you deliver, and detox after. They will STILL need to detox your baby in the hospital. I know for a fact (I used to work specifically with opiate addicts, and had more than one pregnant client on my caseload in my day) that your best bet at NOT having CPS involved is coming clean to a doctor immediately and asking for help. There are rehabs out there for pregnant women, for mothers who already have children, etc. You just need to find the right help, and find it ASAP. The sooner it is documented that you became dependent on your prescription medication and WERE HONEST AND ASKED FOR HELP FOR THE SAKE OF YOUR CHILD, the better.
There may be other complicating issues. Sometimes the doctor will let you leave with your baby before true signs of withdrawal in the infant are apparent. Then you return to the ER 2 days later and have to admit everything then? Bad move. They will say that you weren't honest when the baby was delivered that he/she might experience withdrawal, and therefore endangered your child. Best bet, get honest, and get honest now. I know you're scared, but the sooner you confess the better. It shows a true concern for you baby's well being, and the earlier you show that concern, the better, ya know? TRUST ME I have experience with this. I had one patient non-compliant with treatment, and was still fighting for custody of her daughter with CPS when I left the rehab. Another pregnant patient was maintained on opiates (dose was even increased I think 3 times during her pregnancy by the MD due to withdrawal causing fetal distress) and when she delivered, her baby stayed in the hospital and was detoxed. The hospital called our rehab (it was outpatient) and asked had she been compliant and honest about her addiction since she came to us. We said yes, and a week later she brought her baby home. I'd say get honest, and get honest now. Not just for CPS reasons, but for your baby's health.
There may be other complicating issues. Sometimes the doctor will let you leave with your baby before true signs of withdrawal in the infant are apparent. Then you return to the ER 2 days later and have to admit everything then? Bad move. They will say that you weren't honest when the baby was delivered that he/she might experience withdrawal, and therefore endangered your child. Best bet, get honest, and get honest now. I know you're scared, but the sooner you confess the better. It shows a true concern for you baby's well being, and the earlier you show that concern, the better, ya know? TRUST ME I have experience with this. I had one patient non-compliant with treatment, and was still fighting for custody of her daughter with CPS when I left the rehab. Another pregnant patient was maintained on opiates (dose was even increased I think 3 times during her pregnancy by the MD due to withdrawal causing fetal distress) and when she delivered, her baby stayed in the hospital and was detoxed. The hospital called our rehab (it was outpatient) and asked had she been compliant and honest about her addiction since she came to us. We said yes, and a week later she brought her baby home. I'd say get honest, and get honest now. Not just for CPS reasons, but for your baby's health.
Im pregnant also im 8wks and have been taking hydros for the past year due to frequent meningitus i decided to quit because i knew my body was getting addicted i want my baby safe and healthy im only on day 2 of no pills it feels like im dying but i refuse to take anymore period!
I know from expierience. Get on a drug called subutex. It's expensive. It's ok. It's waaaay better for your baby on the withdrawel department. It's like Suboxone. However you can not take that while pregnant. Buprenorphine is a drug used to treat opiate dependence. I was on lortab popping 18-20 a day when I found out I was pregnant. I got online and went to turn to help.com. I found a Suboxone dr who gave me 2 8 milligrams a day. Ten I tapered from that. It was SOOO MUCH EASIER TO TAPER from a drug you body isn't addicted to. Subutex is a class c and my obgyn said its safe. Alot safer than popping all of those pills. Also since everyone that you are around pops pills, the subutex tricks your brain to think that you are not on pain. The other pills won't even work. So you won't take them. If you do, you will realize you spent money for nothing. Subutex basically makes your brain have a happy medium of no pain/ no high. So you aren't high or low. It's an amazing drug. Also is you don't taper off o it, it is said that your babies withdrawels aren't as severe if there are any at all. I am 33 weeks and just completely stopped after taking subs for about 4 months. Remember no Suboxone though. Not good for baby. Hope I could help.
I feel that is you have never had an addiction you cant tell anyone whats best for them... you know her OB might even rrecomend that she continues to use them as he gradually takes her off and that may not ever be completely... You cant tell this poor girl she ahs to think about her baby because she obviously is... shes young and scared and you jumping down her throat isnt helping her situation!
Your post contradicts everything that was said. I think you advice is just dangerous!
What does" if your worried, go to the dentist" mean? She needs to see her OB doctor...not a dentist to get pain meds!
What does" if your worried, go to the dentist" mean? She needs to see her OB doctor...not a dentist to get pain meds!
Wow,I'm looking for the same answer ...been addicted since 95 and every year they go up in dosage,but I thought me taking 1 and a half 7.5 was bad for my baby girl,although the doc keeps reassuring me the baby will be fine! He says he knew of women that took 5-6 a day n no withdrawal or problems,but u answered my question...Thanks!
To me it seems like you are only worried about the child being taken away. When you should really be worried about its health first and foremost. If you talk to your ob they will more then like put you on a managed regiment of something to help taper you off and keep your unborn safe. Lying to your doctor makes having a doctor rather pointless. So if you want to prove to CPS that you care about your child come clean to your doctor and get the help you need. Good luck to your child.
I'm sorry to say but yes most likely cps will get involved. And tapering on your own is way to risky. You need to tell your dr. And get the help you need for your daughter. It's the only way. I used for a week and a half at 33 weeks and had to come clean to my dr. Luckily I hadn't used long enough to harm her so I was able to quit cold turkey. My dr worked with me and cps was not involved and she didn't with drawl. If u need support or anything please contact me. But the only was safely out of this is to come clean to your ob. Please don't do it another way. Your risking the health of your unborn baby and risking getting cps involved.
hunny you need to slow down so you can kick it my aunt just had a baby 4 months ago and she has a pills problem the baby came out with downsindrom fliud in the neck his fingers are all suck together its sad so ask your dr for help I dont know how to stop my self thats why I am on here asking for help as well
I HAVE BEEN THREW THE SAME THING!!! so PLEASE listen to me as i have experienced it!! First of all, when you stop taking pills do you go threw physical withdrawal yourself? If the answer is no then stop immediately and your baby with likely be fine. YES THEY DO DRUG TEST EVERY MOTHER WHEN SHE IS ADMITTED TO THE HOSPITAL BEFORE GIVING BIRTH! and YES IF YOU HAVE DRUGS IN YOUR SYSTEM OR YOUR BABY GOES THREW WITHDRAWALS THEY WILL GET CPS INVOLVED IMMEDIATELY AND TAKE YOUR BABY! you will nit even be able to take him/her home with you. I did percocets threw most of my pregnancy BUT i never to this day no matter how much i was taking had gone threw serious physical withdrawals so i think i really lucked out. Even still i made sure i stopped 3 weeks before my due date so there was no chance of any of that becsuse my daughter is my world and the only thing i live for so please stop now before you regret it for the rest of your life
Allison,
would recommend starting your own thread to post your questions and concerns regarding klonopin. It may get overlooked otherwise. Just go to the top of your screen and hit post a question, and then you can copy and paste what you just wrote on this thread.
would recommend starting your own thread to post your questions and concerns regarding klonopin. It may get overlooked otherwise. Just go to the top of your screen and hit post a question, and then you can copy and paste what you just wrote on this thread.
Hey everyone im 7 weeks pregnant and my dr has me on 10/325 hydrocodone i get 120 a month i have tryed my best to take them like im perscribed; but i have a bit of a prob. I have been taking them for over 2 yrs. my dr said that my babys arm or leg might not be there an that its heart or brain might not work. I have my ob app in 2 days im going to be very truthfull with him. I have 2 very helthy children but did nothing when pregnant i smoked cigaretts whit my 2 off an on. Im soo upset cause i cant stop taking the hydrocodne i have to be on them because i have alot of damaged nerves an have to get nerve blocks as well. Although i take them for pain i also take them for the filling. I know thats wrong but its the truth an i know if i stop i can loose the baby from wd. my question is will this cause birth defects an how should i stop??I have tryed to tapper it doesnt work for me an i have asked my dr to put me on somthing else she wont do it. pleas anyone help!!!
I am 11 weeks pregnant. My pregnancy was totally unexpected as I still had the Mirena IUD still in place. I was abusing both oxycodone and hydrocodone before I found out I was pregnant. When I found out I was pregnant I was 6 weeks along. I made an appt ASAP and was honest with my Dr. He was very non judgemental and very helpful. He pointed me in the right direction and I found the help and support I need through other recovering addicts and a very good therapist. I tapered off over the course of 3 weeks and as hard as it was I feel so much better though I still have rough days. That's to be expected. When you come off these powerful pain medicines your body tells your brain that your in pain and you need the medicine but often times the pain is not real. It's not easy. I'm not a saint. Sometimes I would try to rationalize just taking a little. Telling myself that just a couple wouldn't harm the baby but that's where having a support system that I could be honest with came in. They help me take responsibility be accountable and think realistically. Your addiction can take over and tell you lies. You are reaching out now so that tells me you have recognized there is a problem. That's the first step. And as hard as it will be. Don't stop. Take the next step. Talk to your doctor. Don't live the rest of your pregnancy or your life feeling guilty. You know the right thing. That's the easy part. Now get started on doing the right thing. I'm sorry for writing so much. I wish the very best for you and your baby. I hope my experience helps you are not alone
I totally agree with Vicki.......Please think of the baby at least for another month untill you give birth and DO NOT stop cold turkey!.....Be honest and if they call CPS and you have your baby taken away then maybe that's what needs to happen after all from what your saying the baby is going to go home and be raised around a bunch of addicts.
Worse case senario you have to do jail time ....I would do it if it meant I could possible save the life of my baby, trust me as a mother once you see that baby you will do anything to protect him/her, Let the professionals help they care and that's what their there for. If this inconviences your mom then so be it, it's time to grow up and make the hard decisions now. Trust me I doubt they will call CPS but please don't let that fear keep you from seeking medical health for the baby it's not fair.
Keep in mind that you always have the option to put the baby up for adoption if your not ready to be a mother , I know there are alot of good people out there that can't have kids that would love to adopt. Sounds like this would be a good option for you. Bless
Worse case senario you have to do jail time ....I would do it if it meant I could possible save the life of my baby, trust me as a mother once you see that baby you will do anything to protect him/her, Let the professionals help they care and that's what their there for. If this inconviences your mom then so be it, it's time to grow up and make the hard decisions now. Trust me I doubt they will call CPS but please don't let that fear keep you from seeking medical health for the baby it's not fair.
Keep in mind that you always have the option to put the baby up for adoption if your not ready to be a mother , I know there are alot of good people out there that can't have kids that would love to adopt. Sounds like this would be a good option for you. Bless
Like Janet mentioned, you are 3 weeks away from full term and you could go into labor any day now. You really don't have time. I think just about the only way to keep CPS from getting involved is to talk to your doctor about it. Your mom says go cold turkey which you know you can't because you would have a high chance of miscarriage. But even if you do there will be some lingering symptoms probably even within 3 weeks. It won't go unnoticed and then CPS will be involved.
I know this is a very scary situation for you but it doesn't has to be. Talk to your doctor and she/he will help you and the stress will be lifted. Their main job is to make sure you and your baby are healthy and that's exactly what they will do. But they can't help you if they don't know what they are dealing with.
There are many posts on here about people being pregnant and addicted. The same advice is always given. They are always scared out of their mind as I'm sure you are. Once they told their doctor they came back and posted on how they wish they would have done this sooner because their doctor got a plan in place and helped them through. Doctors are not part of CPS. Like I said before, their concern is about you and your baby's health. Let them help you.
I know this is a very scary situation for you but it doesn't has to be. Talk to your doctor and she/he will help you and the stress will be lifted. Their main job is to make sure you and your baby are healthy and that's exactly what they will do. But they can't help you if they don't know what they are dealing with.
There are many posts on here about people being pregnant and addicted. The same advice is always given. They are always scared out of their mind as I'm sure you are. Once they told their doctor they came back and posted on how they wish they would have done this sooner because their doctor got a plan in place and helped them through. Doctors are not part of CPS. Like I said before, their concern is about you and your baby's health. Let them help you.
Your mom is already at risk of losing your little brother. You are a minor and your are living in her home. If they investigate you than they will probably investigate her also because you are her child. They would be doing home visit more than likely on her the same as you. Jumbled word, but I think you can figure out what I said.
I also beg you to go to your doctor and fess up. You choose to continue this pregnancy and it is your responsibility to care for her. Your innocent and beautiful little girl deserves this. She was not giving a choice.
It was just recently I had to go to my doctor of 10 yrs and fess up to being an addict. She actually praised me for being brave enough to tell her. Some doctors have an endless stream of compassion. I know some don't but they are probably few. They choose to save peoples lives. They want to help their patients and teach them ways to live healthier lifestyles. I don't think a doctor would even turn you into cps if you are honest with him. But if they find out on there own I think you will pay dearly for not taking the babies health and well being serious by keeping quite. Then again why hide when they can be prepared to help your baby at the time of delivery. Not only could there be complications for you during delivery there could also be complications with the baby. Do you want to take that risk that with little girl that is growing inside and making you very uncomfortable right now? There are so many question if maybe's could happen.
Your mother should support you and give you all the best advice possible, because you our her daughter. Would you make the same choice if it was your daughter going through this or would you care more about her life than yours? Everyone here wants to help you. But you have to take the first step.
What are your plans after the baby is born? Are you going to try to get clean and stay clean? Are you planning on raising your baby in a home filled with drug use as your were raised? These are all things that you should think about. There are a lot of choices out there for you if you choose to get help. Probably a way to get you out on your own get you out of a house the still has drug use. Here where I live they have a place where mother and children can go if they are in abusive relationships or unsafe conditions for the children.
You are 3 weeks away from being full term and their is a chance you could go any day now. You don't have long to figure things out. Also this far along I am not sure how far you can get with tapering before she comes. I do not know how long it takes and I just went cold turkey, but I am not pregnant. I know that I feel so sorry for that baby if she has WD. WD's are Hell on earth!
May God Bless you and your child.
Anyone know if a newborns suffer the same way we do?
Well ultimately it is up to you if you want to tell your doctor. We are all begging you to. We know what honesty is about, it takes a lot of that to get and stay clean. Also why would you want to take a chance of seizure? I think you can die from gran mal seizures, no positive. Give your child a chance please.
I also beg you to go to your doctor and fess up. You choose to continue this pregnancy and it is your responsibility to care for her. Your innocent and beautiful little girl deserves this. She was not giving a choice.
It was just recently I had to go to my doctor of 10 yrs and fess up to being an addict. She actually praised me for being brave enough to tell her. Some doctors have an endless stream of compassion. I know some don't but they are probably few. They choose to save peoples lives. They want to help their patients and teach them ways to live healthier lifestyles. I don't think a doctor would even turn you into cps if you are honest with him. But if they find out on there own I think you will pay dearly for not taking the babies health and well being serious by keeping quite. Then again why hide when they can be prepared to help your baby at the time of delivery. Not only could there be complications for you during delivery there could also be complications with the baby. Do you want to take that risk that with little girl that is growing inside and making you very uncomfortable right now? There are so many question if maybe's could happen.
Your mother should support you and give you all the best advice possible, because you our her daughter. Would you make the same choice if it was your daughter going through this or would you care more about her life than yours? Everyone here wants to help you. But you have to take the first step.
What are your plans after the baby is born? Are you going to try to get clean and stay clean? Are you planning on raising your baby in a home filled with drug use as your were raised? These are all things that you should think about. There are a lot of choices out there for you if you choose to get help. Probably a way to get you out on your own get you out of a house the still has drug use. Here where I live they have a place where mother and children can go if they are in abusive relationships or unsafe conditions for the children.
You are 3 weeks away from being full term and their is a chance you could go any day now. You don't have long to figure things out. Also this far along I am not sure how far you can get with tapering before she comes. I do not know how long it takes and I just went cold turkey, but I am not pregnant. I know that I feel so sorry for that baby if she has WD. WD's are Hell on earth!
May God Bless you and your child.
Anyone know if a newborns suffer the same way we do?
Well ultimately it is up to you if you want to tell your doctor. We are all begging you to. We know what honesty is about, it takes a lot of that to get and stay clean. Also why would you want to take a chance of seizure? I think you can die from gran mal seizures, no positive. Give your child a chance please.
COMMUNITY LEADER
Please do what is right for this baby. The doctors and nurses NEED to know what is going on to help the baby just in case she has wd's. sara
Meg~~ You're really in a predicament here. Your mother is an addict so her advice is self serving. No matter what you do or don't do...the truth is going to come out at the hospital. The person who will really suffer is the baby. That's why we all want you to tell the doctor. He can head some of that off right away...
By you doing nothing,everyone's at risk. Your mother isn't seeing that. The baby may easily go into withdrawal once born,CPS will be notified,they WILL go to your house,you could lose your baby,YOU could be placed somewhere because you are under 18,your little brother could be taken away,and you mother could be arrested.
All of this is very scary,I know. You are a Mom now. Start this off on the right foot. Reach out for some help from the doctor...no one in your life seems to have your and the baby's best interest in mind.
Make that call,Honey...Be honest. They'll help you.
By you doing nothing,everyone's at risk. Your mother isn't seeing that. The baby may easily go into withdrawal once born,CPS will be notified,they WILL go to your house,you could lose your baby,YOU could be placed somewhere because you are under 18,your little brother could be taken away,and you mother could be arrested.
All of this is very scary,I know. You are a Mom now. Start this off on the right foot. Reach out for some help from the doctor...no one in your life seems to have your and the baby's best interest in mind.
Make that call,Honey...Be honest. They'll help you.
Your mom's logic of thinking is completely off. She said if you have a seizure from going cold turkey she will take you to the hospital and you are far enough along to take the baby. By the time you get to the hospital it may very well be too late. Seizures are not the only risk. Often going cold turkey your heart rate and blood pressure is through the roof. But hey, you haven't had a seizure so the baby must be fine. I've been through cold turkey withdrawals quite a few times and a few of those times my blood pressure was very low. If yours drops low so does your baby's. That could cause lack of oxygen. There are so many things that could effect your baby even if you are feeling okay. There is a reason so many people here are telling you to talk to your doctor. The only reason isn't to save you from child protective services but to also save your baby's life and quite possibly yours. If are gonna do the right thing by talking to your doctor at least TAPER. DO NOT COLD TURKEY! If this wasn't a serious concern do you think so many people would be here posting trying to help you? Even someone that has been through it posted telling you to talk to your doctor or you more than likely will have your baby taken away.
Do you have anywhere else you can go for support such as an aunt, uncle or cousin? You really need some support from someone that is not only looking out for themself. Your mom isn't thinking logically due to abusing drugs. Please do the right thing and give yourself and your baby a chance. Please make the choice that you know is right.
Do you have anywhere else you can go for support such as an aunt, uncle or cousin? You really need some support from someone that is not only looking out for themself. Your mom isn't thinking logically due to abusing drugs. Please do the right thing and give yourself and your baby a chance. Please make the choice that you know is right.
If your mother is not being supportive-then go somewhere private and call your doctor.
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