Affects of a father's drug addiction on the fetus?

[jade117756]

I recently found out that I am pregnant (about 4-5 weeks), but I also recently found out that my husband (and the baby's father) was addicted to Percocet (about 50 mg) for the past 4 months. I found the pills in his bag and I confronted him. He admitted the problem (he told me he also took a few Xanax), stopped cold turkey, went through a bad withdrawal phase and is now seeking treatment with a psychologist. I have no doubt that he'll be a great father and we'll get through this. My question is, did his addiction in any way compromise the fetus' well being? I have read that Percocet and similar narcotics can reduce sperm count, motility and/or morphology, but since we did conceive, I am concerned as to whether his drug abuse and addiction could have in any way harmed our baby and whether I should be worried at all. I don't feel comfortable asking my OB/GYN at this time. Thank you

[Elaine Brown, MD]

Hi!
If you were my patient, I would try to reassure you that there should not be any effects from the father's substance abuse.  The sperm contributes only DNA, and narcotics are not known to cause mutations in DNA.  In most cases a fairly detailed ultrasound is done at 18 - 20 weeks and that should be reassuring as well..
It will be very important for you to support your partner in his attempts to stop abusing substances.  There are some new therapies such as Suboxone and some older ones such as Narcotics Anonymous. If he can't stop using, you will be faced with the decision of whether he is an appropriate life partner and father.
Good luck!
Dr B

[HaydnsMommy]

Your friend and the baby should be fine, I would definately try and make sure she has good support and maybe advise her to go to a Narcotics Anonymous meeting (or go with her). I understand it was just once, but pregnancy gets very hard especially emotionally and she needs all the support she can get, and the least judgement. I've been through similiar situations and emotional support is great.

[Wonderchick]

Crack should be out of the system in a few days. She should never do that again though.

[bowila]

Hello my friend would like to know cuz she is 16 weeks pregnant n she used crack she claims she only did a small amount n would Like to know how long will it stay in the baby will the baby b dirty when due?  She feels awful cuz she was going thru a trouble time with the baby daddy n knows that's not a reason to harm the baby?  Thx for any answers?

[seh4531]

Your drug use would affect the baby, but not the father's.