pregnant and dependent on opiates

Hi, I know this has been asked a lot on the forum,  but I don't see many answers after the fact.  So, I'm wondering.....Has anyone had a baby that has been on narcotics throughout the ENTIRE pregnancy and what was your experience when the baby was born?  The reason I ask, I am a pediatric nurse, so I do have some knowledge of the physiology and theory behind this, but when it's you it is different.  I am high risk secondary to cystic fibrosis and chronic pancreatitis.  I have been on oxycodone therapy via a pain specialist for over a year now.  We got pregnant pretty much on accident.  (but soooo happy)  I would've never knowingly tried to get pregnant while taking these meds.  We were actually looking into adoption because of my health.  But, this little miracle happened.  I have sooooo much guilt however.I take around 65mg a day now.  I was on 95 at the beginning.  I have weaned and am trying to continue to do so.  However, the bigger I get the more stress my pancreas goes through and the pain can be unreal.  I've been told by all my doctors that pain syndrome and pancreatitis could cause stillbirth as well as w/d during pregnancy.  That it is actually safer to be on the meds.  So, going off is not really an option.  I am not sure how much farther I can wean without getting into real trouble.  Even now I experience some w/d symtpoms such as RLS and tachycardia.  I am being watched VERY CLOSELY by all my doctors.  That being said I am due in 6 weeks.  I am terrified for this baby to be born dependent.  I've been told it absolutley depends on the person.   But, I really have yet to speak with someone that took the dose I take for the entire pregnancy.  I'd guess I'd like to find out if there is anyone who has been through this and if the baby had to be medicated.  I guess I feel out of control and I just need some reassurance.   I'd also like to hear from those who did experience w/d in the neonate.  I know it can be very dose and time dependent so please include that info if you can.  I know that studies have shown that narcotics have no effect on organogenesis in the baby.  That is, the development of the baby is believed to not be effected in utero from the drugs.  I believe that is true. I know there are people who might disagree, but that is what science has told us thus far.  Believe me I have been researching this to no avail since I found out I was pregnant.  So, any info anyone might have would be so helpful.

[allaboutmary]

Sorry, I don't have any answers, just wanted to bump your post to the top so others will reply.   Congrat's on your baby !

[niknurse]

Thank you so much.  I still haven't quite figured out how this forum works.  God Bless

[Flutterby111]

I was pregnant and taking percocet while pregnant.  I only took about 10 mg a day though.  My baby was fine, and didn't suffer any w/ds.  After going through w/ds myself, just last week, I told the dr.s I'd a killed them if she'd gone through any.  I really had no idea that would happen to me, call me naive.  I took quite a but more after she was born....I don't know how much help that it to you.  But she is fine, was fine, and suffered none that was visible to any of us....gl to you and baby.

[lucyred68]

rest assured that if the hospital knows about your medical condition and need for the drugs, they will be very careful to wean the baby off gently if he/she is born addicted.  may have to leave in neo-natal care for a few days, but worth it to allow the baby to detox slowly.  don't beat yourself up over this.  your needs are genuine, and like you said, the pregnancy was a total surprise.  God bless you and your beautiful gift from above.

Lucy

[niknurse]

I know you are right.  I'm just hoping that I'll be one of the lucky ones that the baby doesn't have to be medicated at all.  I know that if they are aware they  will begin to use the NAS (neonatal abstinance scale) to determine if the baby needs pharmicological intervention.  They use comfort measures first and foremost, and these doctors say that many times that is enough.  But, the idea of my baby having to stay inpatient and given morphine for w/d just kills me.  I guess I'm trying to see what the liklihood of that happening is based on others experiences.  I know evreyone is different, but it still makes me feel better to be as knowledgable as I can be.  I so appreciate you all responding to me.  Your words are so kind and VERY helpful.  Thank you