Vicodin while pregnant

[virgo1969]

My friend's sister is 5 months pregnant and she is addicted to vicodin, cigarettes and who knows what else. She claims the dr. said it's ok for her to continue taking the vicodin and she claims the dr. says it's okay to keep smoking.
(Yeah right!) She is taking the vic's with water but not the presribed dose by any means 3 or 4 at a time, plus she is chewing the pills and now she is snorting them as well. She claims the dr. told her to snort the pills and it was okay. I'm like , NO WAY! She is still smoking cigarettes like usual as well. She acts very out of control and eratic. She is threatening the family about never seeing the baby after it's born and she does get verbally and physically abusive. What can this family do to secure the safety of this unborn child?  

Thanks for the help in advance.

[princess2000]

I am a former social worker from Texas that worked for Child Protective Services for 12 years.  I just recently resigned and know that we can not get involved until the baby is born.  The Dr and or anyone who knows the situation can turn her in, and they could possibly file charges on the grounds of injury to an unborn fetus.   In Texas we can not do that, but I am not sure about other states.  She needs to be turned in to Child Services and her Dr, so they are aware of what she is doing.  If she keeps on this same track, the baby most likely will be born early with severe problems.  Please do something to get her to stop before its too late, if not already!!!!  Even if you have to turn her in to the police.  Does she have any other children in her care?  If so, child Services can get involved!!!


Princess2000

[virgo1969]

Thanks for the responses. No, her family does not know who her dr's are and she won't tell them. It seems to me that a social worker needs to become involved at this point because I'd bet money that her obgyn does not know about all the pills or at least the extent of the useage. But she is harming the baby and that's the bottom line. I will pass along all of you advice to my friend.

Thanks again!

[Believer1179]

Ok......it is true though that her AND the BABY will go through the withdrawls!! This is a really tough situation here. I am at a loss.....

HER DR. NEEDS TO HEAR THE WHOLE TRUTH FROM SOMEONE OTHER THAN HER, Obviously....she probably has not been honest with him/her?

This is a serious situation though and I am no nurse or dr. .......thereis the Dr.'s forum on here where you can ask a Dr. questions about this......have you tried that?

[imanaddict]

I can't believe the nerve of that girl! Surely she doesn't think the people around her believe that a Dr. would tell her it's okay to smoke and snort pills, even if she wasn't pregnant! I agree with staarz, you (or anyone really) needs to report it to her Doctor and let them work with her on this. Someone needs to look out for that innocent baby. Especially if his/her own mother won't!

[Believer1179]

GET HER HELP NOW!!!!!

She could already have done harm to her unborn child! It is NOT ok to do this while pregnant! She may have to tapper off of them, but she HAS to STOP! I am more concerned about the pills than the smoking...though, that is NOT ok neither...

Her family NEEDS totheir foot down and step in and take control!!! What about the father of the unborn baby?? He needs to step in as well. Take her to the Hospital!!??!

The people closest to her need to decide what is more important? her being angry or whatever OR THE BABY!!!!

Seek ANOTHER Dr. asap!!!!

I am concerned!!
Best wishes for her and her baby!

[staarz]

Do you know your sisters doctor??  if so you could contact them and let them know what you know.  This would really help the baby.  Most likely the baby will go thru withdrawals anyway.  and she may be taking too much tylenol too.  there is a limit or it can destroy the liver, hers and the babies.  

I have a daughter that was doing this and more.  We now have custody of her 4 children until she can get her life in order and raise them.  you may need to contact a social worker.  tho it took us 5+, yrs to get thru to them.  they thought I was kidding.  they finally saw it after she was sitting in the middle of the street with the 4 kids last june almost passed out from drugs.  sometimes you have to let it get really bad before they finally interfere and help.  I am also a daycare provider and we have to call and make a report if we think someone is being hurt or abused and this certainly would be an instance where the unborn child is being hurt.  If you tell her dr then they would have to call social services because they also like me, are bound by ethics where we have to report you or we go to jail.  good luck and hope they can help you.