Preg on methadone&benzo's

Question

Im due in 23 day's and have been on methadone for over a year and a half and I also take benzo's for severe anxiety. Maybe I should say I take benzo's because even with the done it's hard as hell 2 get off them. im prescribed both but am scared to death of what may or will happen when my baby is born. Im not ready for another child but I believe there's a reason for EVERYTHING especially life.

vicki595 · Answer

Hi Sweetie-

Listen, there's a lot you can do!  Speak with your OB about your fears and be honest,okay? No one will get mad at you; the object is to have a safety net for the baby.

Also, call your local Planned Parenthood office or just stop by. There are many folks who can help you and offer much support and advice. Try not to worry or be frightened; it does you no good!

If you haven't been forthcoming about the drugs use, now is the time. You don't want CPS getting involved here!    DO NOT attempt to taper down or stop these meds on your own...only your doctor can do that.  So,first talk with the prescribing physician and, please, stay in touch with us!

cathy5841 · Answer

I posted this once and it disappeared? While I agree with gnalys post, everything that freeofitall posted is true. You and your baby are in a dangerous situation. It will be a very hard road. NOT trying to scare you, its just the truth. Knowledge is power so research and be prepared. Is your DR. prescribing these meds? I am very concerned about the benzo use. I believe they are on a catagory of meds deemed unsafe for use on pregnancy. Is your OB prescribing these meds? Does he know you are taking them? There is a member named Vicki that is very knowledgeable about this message her. Please talk to your Dr Asap and follow his instructions he knows more than us. Good luck n I will say a prayer for you.

gnarly_1 · Answer

PLEASE dont worrie about the baby if your on the up and up with your obgyn and the hospital staff they will deal with the babys withdrawals just fine im a personal friend of a neo/natlal nurse thats job is to bring babys off heroin methadone and oxy ....Jenny is fabulous she is kind compassionate and know her stuff they will administer methadone once they determine the blood serum level in the baby they will then bring the baby down gently as comfortably as possible there are few side effects if done right dont let anyone throw a scare in you your baby will be fine it is safe to be prego on methadone the symptoms the member discribed above are if nothing is done other then observation witch is not normal practice any more.....trust me on this I know a lot about methadone and different situations with it and am familiar with what they do in the delivery room you and your baby will be fine  good luck with the new little one and your right there are no mistakes when it comes to children
God bless.....Gnarly

Free_ovitall · Answer

P.S.  Because every baby is different, after they assess him/her, they often put the baby on a low dose of oramorph (morphine for babies) or phenobarbital and wean them off that over a few weeks time. Many babies with treatment have just mild wd symptoms, sometimes even none at all. So don't worry too much, this isn't an uncommon thing these days, and they will do what's best to make the baby as comfortable as possible.

Free_ovitall · Answer

Well, It's a little late to be thinking of getting off either of them now, in fact it isn't recommended at all if you are on it and get pregnant.  So it's more of a "will happen" than  a  "may happen".  I assume your Dr. has discussed this with you?  The baby will probably have to stay in the hospital longer than normal, but you should learn what to expect when you take the baby home.  

The most common symptoms of babies born into withdrawal are associated with the central nervous system'. The baby is irritable and difficult to console. Tremors often occur along with a high-pitched cry, and  seem "ridged" because of increased muscle tension.

These neuromotor symptoms are part of Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome, (NAS) a disorder made up of central nervous system hyper-irritability and other symptoms involving the gastrointestinal and respiratory systems. 

These CNS symptoms can last for 4 to 6 months. Initially the baby may appear restless, and then tremors develop. At first the tremors occur with touch and as the tremors progress, they occur spontaneously without touch. Seizures are more likely to occur in babies born with  methadone addiction.

Methadone  may alter the development of a baby's respiratory system. The baby might have a higher than normal respiratory rate, runny or stuffy nose, sneezing, inward pulling of the chest when breathing and periods of cyanosis or bluish skin discoloration

There is also an increase incidence of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome or SIDS, in methadone babies in comparison to drug-free babies. It's very important for parents to learn the skills needed when caring for their baby as he/she withdraws from passive methadone addiction.

These babies frequently do not tolerate feeding and will vomit or have increased regurgitation. They often appear hungry by sucking on their hands and fists, but when placed to the bottle or breast, their suck and swallow is uncoordinated.

Loose, watery stools prove common and he/she will need to have  parents or caregivers watch  closely for signs of dehydration and electrolyte imbalance.

The sleep patterns in babies withdrawing from methadone are irregular. Parents find this one of the most challenging symptoms to work through. Withdrawal in the baby prevents normal periods of deep sleep. Decreasing the noise and light in the environment and coordinating care will help him sleep comfortably.

They will go through all of this in detail with you while you are in the hospital so that you are better able to cope with these challenges once you bring him/her home. 

This is not going to be easy for either one of you, I wish you all the best.
I hope you are a member of a NA group, because you are going to need all the support you can get.

Good luck, stay strong.