Pregnancy and Addiction

[Ayla_J]

Hello,
I know that marijuanna is horribly bad for your baby, or so I believe.
But I have been smoking marijuanna for two years now, and I did not know I was pregnant til a week ago,and I am 7wks along. Im really worried about my babys health and well being, and Im trying my best to deal with this addiction.
I tried to quit cold turkey, but I was too sick to go to work, and I need to keep my job or I have nothing to offer my baby, so I ended up smoking a bat *one hitter, equaling one puff* just to help me cope..
I have done this three times this week, which is a real big cut back on my behalf and if I was just quitting I would be so proud of myself, but instead I am so upset and depressed because I am trying my best, and If I dont do this gradual cut down, I wont even eat anything, I just throw it up...is this wrong to do, and if it is what do i do!!! I am so worried about my baby, I hope everything is okay and I just want a healthy baby...
I had a miscarriage over a year ago, and I knew I was pregnant right away, and I stopped smoking completely right away but I never had this bad sickness feeling of which I am dealing with this time, so I hope you understand and please help....
Im so desperate for helpful advice, and I dont need anyones negativity, at this point I need sensitivity and understanding to help me and my baby.
Thank You,

[mamaofonetrying42]

To say it. You just need to think of the baby. and suck it up. What you are doing can eff. the baby. Just think about... Can you live with yourself if you find out something is wrong with your baby. try talking to your doc or family about this, they may help. some of us are dieing for a baby, and you have the chances to have one. I hope you make the right choice.


good luck

[Ayla_J]

well, I am worried about my baby over me so thats not a fair, I understand what you are saying and I cut down to one puff which is not even an equal to one inhale off a cigarette, but I need to know how to STOP completely, and still be able to pull my work hours and I need to eat in order to stay out of the hospital,you need to understand how sick I am right now,and give me some credit for what I have already done, Im doing my very best. I need better suggestions, and I am dying to have my baby as well, and all I want is a healthy baby. Im very ill. I dont want to lose my baby.

[Ayla_J]

i dont mean no disrespect mamaofonetrying42
and thank u. and I hope you have a healthy baby soon.

[Ayla_J]

i dont have family, and Im afraid to talk to my doctor at this point until I can tell him honestly that its not a problem anymore...

[Brown Eyed Gurl]

I'd say the being sick might be from being pregnant and about 75% women have it and enjoy it knowing it's because their baby is growing and healty.  You smoking pot is only in a sence paralyzing your baby and making it groggy thus possibly causing birthdefects or possible miscarriage.  Tell your boss you are pregnant and most of them will work with you being sick maybe more so than you think.  Quit worrying about your own cravings and addiction and worry about your babies health.....

[mamaofonetrying42]

But if you talk to your doc he/she can help u get the help u need

[sivaka]

even if it is one puff it is not good for your baby try to involve with some other activity listen to mussic or read books or simply think of your baby and the wellbeing of your baby when u feel like having a puff think of ur baby nobody can be behind u all the time it is u who have to be careful think drink fresh juice. vegetables can help u talk to ur doc about this good luck

[Brown Eyed Gurl]

Try going to NA meeting or something they can help tremendously you will see that addiction is mind over matter and I'm not saying that just to say it I know it from experience my father was a drug dealer and the worst pot head and crack head and meth smoker ever and he did it for over 25 years and he's been clean for 3 years now and he didn't have to wean himself he just made his mind up that it was ruining his life and he did go to some meeting and maybe go to a local church they can help you some times with meetings with no religious content.

[alaysha]

My boyfriend used to smoke pot but about a year ago he decided it was stupid and just quit. I dont mean to sound insensitive but in the early stages of pregnancy its common at 6 weeks and after to have morning sickness. Dont try to make yourself feel better by smoking. Think of your baby if you honestly care about it you would just quit completely. Right now is when it is developing all of its important organs and if you dont stop it could hurt the baby more than you can guess.

[Ayla_J]

its not cravings, thats not the thing, please understand. I was pregnant before and experianced bad morning sickness and this is not the same,and at that point in my life I was extremely happy to deal with the sickness. I am thinking about the baby, ok Im emotional enough without the pity trips ok, I feel horrible. I cannot function at all. I feel terribly ill all the time, and my strenght is diminishing. I am so worried about my baby, NOT ME. I NEED TO BE HEALTHY FOR MY BABY TO BE HEALTHY.  but thanks mamafone and sivaka I think your answers was the most helpful so far, I will go to a Dr. but was hoping someone with facts could give me them with some possible remedies to get better. Obviously I tried to forget about being sick, but being sick is something I am not in control of, but marijuanna has been the only thing to help me cope, and even after the minimal dose I have been taking to ween off I am still very ill. Im worried about my babies health and you have no right to tell me im not. Dont leave any feedback unless you are trying to help me. I dont plan to smoke weed throughout my pregnancy as some woman do, Im trying to quit and be healthy for my baby.

[Brown Eyed Gurl]

well being worried about your babies health I would think it would be easy to quit.  You may be sick for a week or even 2 weeks after quitting but I would think you would rather be sick for a week or 2 than have to worry about harming your child.  Babies are tough when it comes to being sick heck they usually make you sick all the time anyways and it will  be better if you quit and no have to worry anymore.  Good luck and I hope you do the right thing

[Ayla_J]

u never went through this, and im not defending what Im doing, but your not helping. yeah you would think it would be easy to quit with your baby in mind, you never have gone through what I am going through...and I am quitting, thats what my post is about, help ON QUITTING, and getting HEALTHY again.Im getting sicker, please people, just give me some advice other than Quit, thats what im doin.

[Ayla_J]

u never went through this, and im not defending what Im doing, but your not helping. yeah you would think it would be easy to quit with your baby in mind, you never have gone through what I am going through...and I am quitting, thats what my post is about, help ON QUITTING, and getting HEALTHY again.Im getting sicker, please people, just give me some advice other than Quit, thats what im doin.

[mamaofonetrying42]

Just take one day at a time. try and see what you can find on the web? call your doc and see what he can do to help u. When you feel like you need "it" try going out for a walk, call someone, maybe even smoke a cig.? I know they are bad during pregnancy but not as bad as pot.

[Ayla_J]

is there anything to help my nausea, I honestly have not ate anything in 4 days...I am always trying to force things, and I get cravings but cant swallow without gagging.and Im starting to lose all strength and have a hard time doing anything anymore.

[Brown Eyed Gurl]

Ok honey I'm going to be honest yes I have I used to smoke pot daily and I also took pills like crazy when I was a teen so I do understand I know the hell your body is going through....maybe try some green tea to help calm nerves and to help calm the stomach....I'm not trying to sound like a hard *** I'm trying to give you some advice to help maybe try sucking on a pepermint to also help calm you stomach.

[Ayla_J]

i dont smoke joints, I have had altogether four one hits. just before going to work, to  get me out the door and off the floor. one cigarette is way more than what I have smoked already this week.

[Ayla_J]

i dont smoke joints, I have had altogether four one hits. just before going to work, to  get me out the door and off the floor. one cigarette is way more than what I have smoked already this week.

[mamaofonetrying42]

I think there is something outer, your doc can give you for that.

[Ayla_J]

thank you, i just need sensitivity and understanding. I appreciate all good advice and help.

[Ayla_J]

Do you know what its called?

[Brown Eyed Gurl]

I was trying to do it help I've been through it and have seen my dad go through the same thing.....you also can take peptol bismol in small quantities to help calm your upset stomach....

[Ayla_J]

ok, these are good, Im going to try these suggestions thank you so much, im so worried about everything...I dont plan on smoking any more pot at all, I have the whole week off work, so hopefully I am on top of the situation and can pull myself together for work by that time...if i dont, at least I hope I am stronger...I am hoping to sleep off all the side effects of quitting, but hope that I can keep eating so I dont keep going farther and farther into the pits like im in....I cant stand for long periods of time...and I have been trying to drink cup o soup....will my baby be ok without me eating, i feel so bad....

[Ayla_J]

i wish I never touched the drug....its horrible....all drugs are horrible....I wish I was prepared for this pregnancy but it was a shock. The father is really worried about me, and I hope everything is going to be ok.

[Brown Eyed Gurl]

just try to keep soup or even broth down to help you have some nutrients  maybe some saltien crackers they are good to calm stomachs I lived on them when I was pregnant.  I mc'd but not lack of food I have other troubles.

[Ayla_J]

I just want everyone to know I never planned to do this to my baby, the pregnancy was unexpected and I would of never smoked pot if I was trying to concieve, and I really do want my baby to be healthy.im feeling alot of guilt.

[Ayla_J]

Im sorry to hear you mc'd, I was traumatized when I lost my baby...back then I never smoked much pot, just on party events n such, and I quit right away when I found out I was pregnant, and whenever I had my miscarriage, my bf got me smoking again because I was so depressed and in pain....I pray for everyone who uses drugs to cover up emotional distress...I wish I did things differant...instead I smoked weed everyday to mask my problems.

[Brown Eyed Gurl]

Good luck and I pray everything goes good for you I'm sorry if I sounded harsh at first I just MC 5 weeks ago and I'm still touchy it was my 2nd MC. I'm hoping to find out what the cause was.  But please just try and stay strong.  I pray you can break this habit and have a wonderful happy healthy baby.  Good luck
Brandi

[Brown Eyed Gurl]

Can I ask how old are you?

[Ayla_J]

that means the world to me, thank you so much, I really really hope everything turns out for the best for you as well, Im not sure of your beliefs but Im sure you will meet your baby in heaven, even though you never got to meet, I know I will see my baby girl in heaven....and Im sure I woulda been just as harsh if it was back a year ago when I lost my baby and read someone asking help with an addiction, i really do feel horrible about this, and I pray that my baby wont suffer from anything thanks to me. Your advice is very appreciated and I will try your suggestions, and you have given me strenght to fight this battle..Good luck and Godbless.
Ayla

[Ayla_J]

I am 21 years old.

[Brown Eyed Gurl]

Good luck to you you are still young as am I I'm 22.  And your body can handle alot and I'm sure you will do this just be strong and try to get as much rest as possible.....are you taking prenatals?

[Ayla_J]

yes, i just started taking them, and folic

[Brown Eyed Gurl]

Good deal they can be causing some of your sickness also so try and take that into consideration.  They do make lots of people sick.

[Ayla_J]

really, wow, i never knew...

[Brown Eyed Gurl]

And thanks for the kind words I do believe that one day I will get to hold both of my babies I have lost when I go to meet my maker.

[Brown Eyed Gurl]

well I'm out of here I get off work now so good luck and if you need anything just holler I hang out in the fertility/infertility forum most of the time.

[Ayla_J]

Im happy to hear that, its sad to see all whats going on in the world...I know they are in a great place. I will keep in touch with you after I put up a profile on here, and I will keep you updated with my progress, and I really hope you get your turn to have a baby soon, Im sure it will be a beautiful baby from the looks of your pic...Thanks for the help really, thanks,
Ayla

[eborman]

Hi there. I've been threw what you are. When I found out i was pregant with my first son i was already eight weeks. I had ben smoking every day for the longest time! I was 18 then and didn't really know how bad it "could" hurt my baby. He turnd out compleatly healthy however. It took me some time to beat the habit but it was easier once he started moving in my belly. That for me was when the real guilt hit ! A friend of mine ( not saying this is ok cause i would have never done this, i've been pregnant four times now) smoked during her whole pregnancy. Her daughter is now 16 months old a seems to be in good health. She was a very tiny baby though and still is. I read some where that you wouldn't really know the side effects of your child till they are older and are in school. And then you'll truly see if they have a learning disability. The only real thing i have to say i guess is that I've ben there, and you know whats best for you and your child so i'm sure in the long run you will make the best decisions for your self and your baby.
Good luck!

[Jame0223]

I know how you feel! Even though I was not pregnant. I was addicted to that ****. Really its not a physical addiction. If you went two weeks without touching weed youde start to feel no need for it. I know you cant eat anything, I wasnt able to either. You just have to force it down and eat very blan things. I hated not being able to smoke but i knew i had to do it. I eventually got over not being able to eat without smoking. Ive been clean for two months, so i actually quit right before i got pregnant. Although I had a miscarriage on friday, I still don't smoke. You just need to tell yourself you can't smoke. I know being sick and worried doesnt help wanting to smoke. Been there done that. Its incredibly hard, but once you get past a couple weeks of not smoking youll realize that it was easier then you thought. I smoked everyday (at least a gram of good stuff) for almost...2 years id say. Its harder then people think, but it is conquerable. Just remember that its whats best for your baby. good luck

[scared_mommy]

First of all Ayla congrats on your pregnancy.  I'm sorry that you have this addiction that seems so hard to overcome.  My sister had her baby this year in June.  She was under the impression that marijuana isn't bad or it isn't as bad as cigarettes.  Unfortunately it's her baby who is going thru the hard time now.  My neice was born without a Pulmonary Artery which is one of the main artery's that connect's the heart to the lungs.  This is very serious.  She stopped breathing a couple of hours after birth.  She had to undergo emergency heart surgery and will have several more before she turns 1 years of age.  She was also born with a small birth defect in her thumb--she has an extra thumb.  Luckily it doesn't have a bone so they will be able to remove it.  I know it may seem HARD Ayla to quit but going thru what my neice and my sister went thru just isn't worth it.  My sister is now very depressed and of course blames herself for what her daughter has to go thru.  PLEASE STOP COLD TURKEY EVEN IF IT MAKES YOU FEEL LIKE YOUR IN HELL...ONCE YOU HAVE THIS BABY AND IT'S HEALTHY YOU'LL LOOK BACK AND KNOW IT WAS WELL WORTH IT FOR YOU TO HAVE SUFFERED THAN THE BABY....BEST WISHES AND MY PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU.

[Ayla_J]

thank you guys, I am doing a little better each day i think, at least after talking to a couple people on this site, it gave me some more hope and strength and determination. I haven't touched it at all yesterday and I plan to not touch anything from now on...no matter what...i do have the week off work now, and am planning to just sleep it all off and I actually ate something last night, just a burrito, but its a start....Im very happy that I was able to eat without bringing it right back up or not able to swallow it at all...which is what I have been dealing with. It took me probably an hour and a half to get through the small burrito, but I ate it, and feel a little better about everything...I still feel sick, but its amazing because I already feel a hundred times better...I think my nerves may be causing me alot of illness as well, as well as my guilt for whats already been done....but I really do thank everyone for the support, and prayers, its already making me a stronger person mentally and physically...THANK YOU~!!!  I dont have family or anyone other than my fiance to talk to and many may know that sometimes men just dont cut it for emotional discussions...especially when he hasn't quit smoking himself...and doesnt understand my ups and downs of pregnancy while quitting....but im so happy i found this site, I really do need someone to talk to about everything~!...and its comforting to know many are out there dealing with the same or other issues and are able to give advice and help. God bless.

[Ayla_J]

did she smoke throughout her pregnancy???

[emsbleuster]

since when did marijuana have physical effects?  You sure it's not a different illegal drug you're talking about?  

[Ayla_J]

pardon me? its marijuanna bud, im sure i know. and you should read up more on marijuanna if you are trying to imply i am doing anything other...

[Ayla_J]

or are you addressing scared_mommy?? because your addressing me...

[emsbleuster]

My bad...  my fingers typed faster than my brain.  Hey, really, in the other bulletin, I'm happy for you that you are having less symptoms of coming off the stuff.  The way you were acting in the beginning of this whole blog, made me think you might have been doing something else.  But, with the time that has elapsed, you seem more clear-headed and calmer.  I'll make this excuse, my job gets in the way of my thoughts...  I guess you can say that sometimes I'm a burned out medic... I see it and help it all alike...  so, I'm sorry for stepping out where I shouldn't have.  

[Ayla_J]

no probs, i am just hormonal..lol. and I was really really stressed out and worried about everything, and i did not have enough faith in myself when i first blogged, but this site has really helped me out ALOT. sometimes it just takes talking to other strong woman and getting some good advice and help to pull ya through...i dont have many people, just basically a couple friends who are not true friends i know, and my fiance....and i just really want to show my baby a good example on life and make sure my baby does NOT go down the same paths I have...im young, but believe me I have gone through tons...and my confidence is pretty low sometimes so I take offences easily, because I know Im a good person, just dealing with a big plate....God is on my side, I will be able to do whatever I put my mind too, and now im starting to clean up I feel better with each minute. Thank you so much!

[scared_mommy]

Yes she did smoke throughout her pregnancy despite everyone telling her it would affect the baby.  I'm glad to hear that your on your way to staying away from what could make your babies life harder than what it has to be.  KEEP U'R HEAD UP.

[ososexee]

Hey Ayla, on a lighter note. Do I condone smoking the mary jane during pregnancy no; but the fact is, it is a natural substance and the main concern of smoking it while preg is the same concern as smoking cigs, and holding your breath during inhalation; which deprives the baby of oxygen. I know this because I was brave enough to discuss this issue with a Dr. This information isn't meant to give you an excuse to continue this habit, but to not beat yourself down over it either. Stay strong, keep your head up and stay in prayer. As long as you have faith and the Lord on your side everything will be fine and you won't need anyone else, You will be strong enough to stand alone. Just remember you were born with two feet, so use them. You don't need an extra pair as a crutch. You can do it girl. Do it for your baby you've been blessed with.














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[Ayla_J]

Wow, I am too scared to discuss this matter with my doctor, but I know its probably something I should have mentioned to him...its best to keep everything out on the table with your doctor...im just afraid he will think I am going to continue to do it and take my baby away...if this can even happen..im not sure...just too scared when i think about it...but thank you very much, I am so worried that I may have hurt the baby, and I really do hope your right with what you have said,because thats my biggest concern...i dont care what happens to me, i just want to make sure my lil baby is going to be the healthiest he/she will be. Thank you for your continued prayers and support...I am feeling ALOT better every day now...and today my fiance told me I was starting to get a little color in my face back...I was very pale white before, Im still a little weak, but a hundred times stronger than when i first blogged....im sure I was looking like a crack addict, but really its just the pot...who would of known it would do this to a person...i would of never thought, as it being "a natural substance* but any substance can completely flip your world when its abused, this I found out the hard way.....

[Mommy_Oso]

Girl-I am going to be totally honest with you. I smoked weed with my first child almost every waking day. I had been smoking for over 5 years prior to having my first child, so you know going cold turkey, was just a cold case. I did however slow down quite a bit and went from 5 to 6 blunts a day until like 1 a day and instead of using cigarillos, I used tobacco wraps. I went to 39 weeks a 6 days with my preganancy and delivered a healthy 7lb baby girl. She is 3 now and just the happiest, healthiest little girl. If the weed usuage affected her in anyway, it would have to be her attention span, because she's always on the move and I constantly have to ask her to stop doing something 2 or 3 times. That could also be because she is 3 and testing the waters. So, lets be clear...I'm not saying that you should continue to smoke.I am saying that to each is own and make sure you continue to go to all your appointments; eat as much as possible (high-protein) even if it comes back up, drink lots of water and juice, and make sure you take vitamins(Flintstone gummies if you have to) and tons of REST! Hope I lightened your load a tad! Take Care and good luck with Motherhood!

[Ayla_J]

thank you so much, i really really hope everything turns out good in the long run, and im happy to hear you went through the same trials and that you still had a healthy baby girl.....it really makes me feel alot stress-relieved and helps me think that maybe everything will be ok after all..thank you, it really really helps!!!!  Im doing alot better, and im alot happier!!! thank you everyone!!!

[Jay_Leron]

The sickness ur feeling is more than likely not from trying to quit but from morning sickness of being pregnant, so maybe stopping is'nt as bad. i use to use marijuana too, and it can be addictive because u like hte feeling but its not addicitive like cigarettes....just dont go around pot or anyone who can offer it to you, i think u will make it!

[tandria03]

Hi, I just wanted to comment that I am very proud of you for having the goal and desire to quit smoking weed for the sake and health of your baby.  Addiction is a difficult thing to overcome and you shouldn't have to go through it on your own.  Please don't be afraid to talk to your doctor about it.  They shouldn't look down on you.  If they are a good doctor, they will be proud of you as well for coming forward and wanting to do better for your child.  Maybe they would have a solution for you that you haven't thought of that would help you quit completely.    If you are still feeling sick try Ginger.  You can either drink ginger ale or even though its really yucky, take like a little ginger powder and follow it with some water.  It helped me a lot in my first pregnancy.  Now I am in my second pregnancy and this time milk seems to be the only thing to calm my stomach.  Also try taking your prenatal vitamins at night.  It  can really help.  I am going to pray for you to keep having success trying to quit and I hope you continue to feel hopeful.  Please don't beat yourself up over your past use.  Just keep trying to do better and take it one day at a time!

[AngelF]

Hey addiction is hard thing treak, I know.  But remember with God all things are possible. You have a beautiful baby on the way & you have to start thinking about what is best for your baby (and it looks like you are).  Congratulations on being pregnant, God has blessed you.  Take care, G'luck, & God bless.

[Ayla_J]

thank you guys, i will definatly try the ginger.

[Ayla_J]

i guess i should be saying thank  you gals...haha. thank you for all your prayer and support.

[Skylynns_mom]

The prenatals might be making you sick too.  When i was prgo they made me horribly sick.....i had to take the before bed and go straight to be or i would be up all night sick as hell.  You should try that it might be making you a little sicker and maybe all of you symptoms aren't just from smoking.

[onlyme27]

I happen to know personally what you are going thru from past experience.  I knew that I needed to quit.  I wanted to quit.  Everyone preached at me for it.  During the 1st trimester I was soooooooo sick.  I was even put in the hospital 2x for dehydration due to it when I did quit.  I do not think that it is any worse than smoking tobacco as far as harm to the baby goes. I know that everyone will argue with me on this one.  Quitting smoking is best.  But I have known A LOT of people, including myself, that has smiked during pregnancy and had normal children.  After you have been completely off of it for about 2 weeks, you will start to feel better. It will be a hard 2 weeks or so. Just hang in there. I know that you are scared to talk to your doctor. I was too.  If you can't talk to him/her just find someone you can.  I am sure if you look in the yellow pages there are places you can call and talk to someone without having to give them your name.  Keep your chin up.  You are not alone.