newly pregnant on methadone?

[scaredmommy304]

I have been on methadone for about 8 months now and it has been a life and soul saver.  It's been a better 8 months than I've had in a long time.  I no longer feel; any "high" off the methadone and am really learning to deal with life on lifes terms and not my own.  It has made me a much better mother and probably saved my marraige.  Here's the scary part,  I'm pregnant.  I'm so scared of the negative effects of the methadone on the baby.  I'm really excited about the opportunity to have another child but I am so scared of maybe having to see my new baby in pain and discomfert immediatly after birth.  Mommies are supposed to make everything better not make you dopesick.  Now I don't have the option of stopping cold turkey and I just want to do the right thing.  

[genia89]

I was on 60 mg of methadone a day while I was pregnant.  The dr followed me closely & felt guilty but I couldn't be off the methadone because of my situation.  They knew every thing I did.  I had a normal pregancy and my son was born 2 yrs ago healthy.  Yes he was born with methadone in his system but the dr's knew this and gave him a taper dose. He was in the hospital for only 2 wks after his birth, which was excellent because the dr's told me to expect a couple of months to wean him off.  He did really good & they let me finish the taper for him at home becuz he did so good.  He wasn't even on the methadone a total of a month.  He is a thriving little boy just like any other child.  Good Luck!! But my advice is to follow closely with your dr & let them know everything so they can help you deliver a healthy baby!!

[mellie4]

Many women have babies while on heavy medications.  You need to be honest with all your doctors and they'll manage your meds and hopefully your baby won't be addicted when born.  I know there are several women on the Pain Management forum who were on different medications while pregnant and their babies were born perfect.  They worked with their doctors and everything turned out fine.  You may want to post your question under the Pain Management board; maybe someone will talk with you about their experiences.

[IBKleen]

I forgot to mention...there is certainly several reasons to get honest with your doctor but another is that they will be prepared in advance in case the baby is born and begins to show signs of withdrawal. It would just be sad for the baby to suffer any more that it has to so getting honest and having the doctors get prepared for anything and everything is always the best way to go.

[dominosarah]

Talk with your OB about this.  They will monitor you and the baby.

[IBKleen]

Hi & Welcome,

Congrats on the baby. I am glad to hear that you know not to stop cold turkey. That could be dangerous for the unborn child.

You need to speak with your OBGYN and get honest with him/her about how long you are on it, how much you are taking, etc. They deal with this often enough that they know what to do and what would be best for both you and the baby.

Let us know what the doctor says. Take care of yourself.