Should I stop taking opiates at 18 weeks pregnant?

[Becca2591]

Hi, everyone. After I had my second child I would go 2 to 3 months without a menstrual cycle. I recently found out a couple days ago that I'm 18.3 weeks pregnant. I had no symptoms of being pregnant, so I thought it was my irregular menstrual cycle as usual. I started getting symptoms 2 weeks ago and started feeling little movements. I have a herniated disc in my lower back and had trouble getting health insurance. I started taking norcos and have been taking them for 6 months. When I found out I was pregnant, I immediately tried to stop taking them. However, I started having withdrawals and was scared to go through withdrawals. So I'm still taking them. I haven't gotten to the doctor yet because I'm waiting on Medicaid to approve me. I'm really scared for my baby. I don't want to take the medicine anymore and would like to go through the withdrawals and get clean without going to rehab. Should I stop the medicine now or wait until I get to the doctor? I'm scared to tell the doctor about my issue because I don't want my baby to be taken away from me. I read that withdrawals are harmful to the baby and I'm torn on what to do. Can anyone give me advice on what to do? I feel like a terrible mom.

[Fallonh1369]

I was in the same situation.  I was scared to withdraw pregnant bc it can cause miscarriage n severe harm to the fetus. So I got on methadone maintenance.  Huge mistake. I was only taking Norco about 10 or 12 a day. For pain. Now I've been on methadone for almost 2 yrs. Coming off is the hardest thing I've ever done. It has caused sooooo of many physical side effects that I've never had before. It's a million times harder to taper off of than Norco. I would never recommend this to anyone. Please discuss this with your obgyn. As long as your honest with them and your baby isn't born with the Norco in its system they won't open a dss case on you. They are actually more understanding when your open and honest about it. Also, dss won't open a case as long as your prescribed the Norco and not taking it illegally.  I don't know your situation but it sounds like you've been prescribed them from a doctor. Good luck and God bless.

[ImInAwe]

I agree that methadone is absolutely not appropriate for this situation. Its a hard synthetic opiate to kick, much harder than norcos. Dont be afraid to speak to a doctor about it, you wont have your baby taken away as long as you are honest about everything! Under a doctor's care is the best way to deal with wd during pregnancy, and given the short time youve been on the norcos, tapering should ensure the baby will be fine!

[vicki595]

Hi there- You're not a bad mother so forget that kind of thinking.

Don't stop abruptly; it's far better to slowly taper off. Tell your OB about your use and the reason why and he or she can help you with a taper plan. No one is going to take your baby if you're up front.

I don't think methadone is appropriate in this situation. A six month dependence on norco can be managed nicely with a taper. Good luck-

[Jenr32star]

Methadone is a safe alternative when pregnant.  I delivered all 3 of my children on methadone me they are happy and healthy children.  Yes withdrawals can be very harmful and cause miscarriage.