Pregnant and on percocet

[Mommyto2soontobe]

I have been taking percocet my entire pregnancy. It began prescribed by my doctor and after she stopped prescribing I continued to take them. I am
Currently 34 weeks pregnant. I have been taking 10-50 mg a day. I am stopping now as to pass the drug test, but have been reading about kids born ok, and then having behavioral/sensory problems as they age. Does anyone have experience with this that the can share with me?

[GoodKat]

Many pregnant women have to have narcotics while pregnant, for medical conditions. Everything I've read says it's safe at proper dosages, with the physician aware of it, it does not cause permanent damage to a developing fetus.

The problem is, first, if the doctor took you off of them, then she/he either didn't think you needed them anymore, or she had a concern of some kind. The next problem is that you are still taking them, apparently w/o a prescription, which is illegal, and with that comes the worst problem, your baby will be born addicted to the narcotic and experience withdrawal symptoms! So, it really hurts to withdrawal, if you never had, I can tell you it's the worst experience of my life! The vomiting and nausea is one thing for an adult to get through, but a newborn will require fluids and tube feeding because they can dehydrate so fast it's life threatening.

If you do not stop the drug before the birth, the doctors will know because of your babies behavior, and if you have no legal prescription, you will get into legal trouble. I don't want anything bad like these things to happen to you, or your baby.

You are very close to delivery, it's time to make your decision. Be honest and tell the physician if you are not able to stop taking them and at least that will hopefully keep you out of legal problems or CPS intervention. Or, stop taking them, so your baby will be born normal, and no one will be the wiser.

It's up to you, but if you found yourself in this forum, you may have admitted to yourself that you're addicted to the narcotic and do not feel like you can stop, or you don't want to stop. Good luck to you, I wish you all my best! ❤️Kathy

[pinkgirl73]

jinx is right.  doctors see this all the time.  and they know u had a pain issue since they prescribed it to u.  trust me that u do not want to go thru wd when pregnant and u do not want to give birth to an addicted baby.  If u don't tell them now they will most likely find out when the baby is born anyway so its better to just be up front.  U need to put ur baby first.  I know its hard to admit to anyone what's going on but no matter what u have to put ur baby first despite your embarrassment or ur fears because your baby doesn't have a choice.  Doctors hear this all the time and like u said they prescribed it to u in the first place so they may not even be that surprised that u still take it.

[vicki595]

I have the same question as Domino...what is the drug test all about?

It's never a good idea to abruptly stop an opiate while pregnant. There are so many negatives...including fetal seizures which could alter brain chemistry and future function.

Be honest about your use and let the doctor help you taper off.  I think it's the safest and best way to deal with the situation.

[dominosarah]

Please talk with your OB about this.  It is better to be safe than sorry.  Are you getting a drug test due to it being mandatory while pg?

[Jinx_777]

you NEED to discuss this with your doctor, because in most states it is common to test the baby's first poop.  that will show any drugs you have taken from 20 weeks on.  even if you stopped now, it would still show.  

being upfront and honest with the doctor will ensure your baby gets the BEST care when born.  they will have a team of specialists there to make sure the baby is ok and suffers no withdrawals.

many, many women are prescribed percocet (mostly hydro's) while pregnant when they suffer from severe back and pelvic pain.  
so, as far as cognitive disabilities later in life, there is a chance, BUT when you tell your dr they will make sure to set up early intervention learning for your baby to keep them on track.

honesty is always the best.  it is difficult, i am not saying it is easy, but it is better to have all resources there to help your little one and it shows you put your baby's best interest over your addiction.  cannot fault a mom for that.  

doctors deal with this more than you think.  it will surprise you how supportive and non judgmental doctors can be about this topic.

not trying to scare you at all or cause unnecessary worry.  you sound like a very loving mom who wants to make sure her baby has the best chance.

[devisatedandscared]

Hello and welcome. I know that I was taking 15mg of hydro everyday for the last few months of my pregnancy due to spinal stenosis..the pain was unbearable. My doctor didn't like it, but there was nothing else safe and effective for pregnancy. He asked that I cut down the last two weeks to nothing before birth, as it was his opinion to be better for baby to experience withdrawal in utero rather than after birth. I didn't have a real tough time with withdrawal as I was taking such a low dose to begin with. My baby was born perfectly healthy. However after resuming the hydro after birth for pain associated with tubal location I was breastfeeding..and I did notice some symptoms in him as I quit taking them. Shaking and irritability. So I would definitely come clean with your doctor. I know its scary. They can be horribly judgemental. But you probably need a taper plan prior to the little one being born. I will be thinking of you....keep posting

[IBKleen]

Hi & Welcome,

Have you discussed your usage with your OBGYN? If not you need to and do not just go cold turkey now. Whatever you feel, the baby feels. It is best to get honest with your doctor and let them either taper you off or suggest another way.