Pregnant and tapering from methadone

[sb1981]

I am 30 years old..  I found a forum on here already pertaining to this, and my heart almost sank into my stomach. The same girl, asking my same question, her story is EXACTLY like mine..  First, I just found out I was pregnant, yesterday..  I am elated!  I've made so many bad choices, and have had the chance to be a mother before, but bc of my choices and lifestyle from age 15 to 28, that never happened..  I thought God was punishing me by never letting me have children.  My boyfriend never touched a drug in his life, and that is one of the MANY reasons I love him so..  

Well, I have been on the clinic for 4 years, with not one clean screen the first 2 years..  Then, I decided to change my life..  I've been clean from everything but methadone for 2 years now, as well as a CCMA and phlebotomist now!! ;)  I had planned to get pregnant once my taper was over(which would be next summer), but we all know how that goes..  I am at 25mg, went down yesterday..  It must be the pregnancy, but it is definitely metabolizing in my body FAST bc I was in withdrawal pretty severe this morning..  

I'm very concerned, and scared, of what IS the smartest, safest thing to do for my baby right now.  My bf is not as understanding, and that is understandable..  I just need to become more educated on the subject..  I want to continue the taper, but is that ok?  Should I wait until the 2nd trimester?  Thank you all, and I welcome any advise..

[vicki595]

Hi- It's better to get any advice about tapering from your OB.  He/she will know the absolute correct way to go with Methadone.

Let us know what the doctor says and good luck!

[hangetsu]

Congratulations on getting down to 25mg. Your doctor should help you taper off since you're pregnant but I would think you could do it from that low of a level before next summer with no problem. Just don't drop too much too fast, that's the only time I ever ran into problems.

Best wishes.