being pregnant as an addict

[Chulita07232012]

I am currently 16 weeks pregnant and living as an addict.  If I stop using now will my unborn child still detox when he or she is born. Please someone give an answer without judging me. I really need help!

[mamaof4410]

BanMethadone could not have said it better! I have 5 kids and I hate to say this but having a baby does not make your addiction any easier. It will get worse without help. But she said it perfectly!!!

[jugglin]

My heart breaks for you.  There is no judgment here.  I do not have experience with this but would strongly suggest as others have to talk to a doctor and seek professional advice...you need to do this properly for both of you.  Do not keep your secret from your Dr due to fear or shame...addicts come from all backgrounds walks of life and professionals deal with us addicts every day.
I agree with Ban, my kids (as much as I love them) were not enough to keep me clean...sometimes the stress they bring was my excuse to use.  Even while you are going thru this, start thinking about going to NA/AA or professional counseling to get a hold of your addiction so that you can look forward thru living a drug-free life as you begin this journey with your sweet little one.  God Bless and sending you prayers for healing and strength!

[BanMethadone]

I gave birth to my daughter on methadone. She was born with a broken collar bone, and she slept for only 20 minutes at a time. I felt so damn guilty. She had mild shakes too. I was on 90mg the entire time. I am just glad she doesn't remember the pain she must have been experiencing. The doctors told me not to detox while pregnant, and that she would be fine. Indeed, she is fine now other than not being able to take antihistimine or it causes extreme restless legs. Giving birth and caring for an addicted baby is no fun, i can tell you that. There is even less sleep than with a healthy birth. Having a child is stressful even for non addicted people, but having both mother and baby addicted... well my heart goes out to you.

I would do as these suggest, go see a doctor. Get help, BUT go into it with a lot of education on your own. Don't just let them feed you high doses of drugs. Go in with a plan for your's and your baby's future. Don't go any higher on dosages than you have to, and resolve to taper off asap after your baby is born.

One VERY important piece of advice I have for you is this: Don' think that your baby will be enough for you to want to stay clean. People think that our children are the center of our worlds, but in reality, when you lie down at night or you are alone, you are completely inside of your own heart and mind. Children are very important, don't get me wrong, but you have to do something for you. Something positive. Make some real goals and achievements. Go to school, pursue your passion, or begin investing in yourself in some way. You have to have satisfaction in your own soul, before you can give back to anyone around you.

Being a parent is a very important job, and I know I screwed up for a long time, but I am now showing my daughter how to be a happier person by being an example. I am trying to do everything I should have done a long time ago, and I've come a long way. If you can imagine doing something good then you are half way there. You imagine it, set the goal, then take the steps and eventually you reap the wonderful rewards. It's not instant, but it's so much more fulfilling.

good luck hun

[mamaof4410]

What is your drug of choice? If youre honest now I believe they try to help you. Youre still early enough into your pregnancy that if you had a drs help your baby would not be born addicted. Do NOT stop cold. It can cause seizures in the fetus. I could help you more if you helped me with more info as to what your doing and how much. With my last pregnancy I was taking 10/325mg Norcos up to 15 a day until I was 38 weeks pregnant. I stopped 3 days before she was born. She had no signs of wd but the day I stopped I started having contractions. And she was born right at 38 weeks.

[Amandag78]

Hi, if you stop using now, your baby will withdrawl as you do. Doctors do not recommend cold turkey it will harm your baby. Are you using heroin at the moment.

Can you get yourself to the doctors to tell them everything, and work out with them what to do next about your habbit. In the mean time, dont try to quit by yourself until you have sought professional help. Good luck.