drugs during pregnancy

[worriedmom587]

I am pregnant with my second child. When I was pregnant with Emily I didnt do anything ay all. The problem I am having with this on is I am taking precsription drugs. I take hydrocodone and oxycodone. I am not presrcibed them. I got addicted after my first pregnancy because I was so drepressed and that was the only thing that made me feel normal again. After that its all went downhill.  I've never taken anything away from my daughter. She has always had everything shes needed, but I still feel very guilty.

A week ago I had an ultrasound and they think they found something on the babies heart. I know there are no known birth defects on unborn babies with narcotics, but is there a chance that the drugs have caused it? I wont know if there is anything wrong wiht the baby until June.

I've always felt like I take very good care of my daughter even though I've done stuff I'm not proud of. But right now I feel like the worst mother in the world.

If I stop taking them suddenly can it cause problem or do I need to gradually get off of them?

[CATUF]

i join those who have already steered you to 1234betterlife.  You will find no more caring person with the specific knowledge and experience you need.  I noted the following link on her journal, which you might want to take a look at:
http://www.marchofdimes.com/professionals/14332_1169.asp

please know that being in active addiction while pregnant does not make you "the worst mother in the world."  not even close.  

CATUF



CATUF

[joann1975]

You have come to the right place there is so much help and support here! Please keep posting and reading on here and also be honest w/your Dr about stuff so they know how to help you and care for your needs!

[slk714]

please keep posting, i want to move  you to the top,  you are worth it

[poetrygirl1960]

I can relate to the feeling of normalcy on opiates, they made me feel that way too.  I even had myself convinced that I really SHOULD take them because I was different.  Funny, huh?

Narcotics do affect the unborn fetus.  I don't know about genetic defects such as what is in the heart, but I have a friend who took hydros thoughout her pregnancy and he was born addicted.  They kept him for over a month to wean him from opiates.  

It might be difficult and uncomfortable but the best thing you can do is tell your doctor and ask him/her what the best process would be to taper.  How far along are you?  Please take care and be upfront with your doctor.  Good luck on everything, and I'm glad for you that you have realized you have a problem.  It can be treated.

[slk714]

hang in there, i am also pregnant and  addicted to pain killers, please just relax for you and baby, and Cathy is right 1234 is a great person to contact, she gave me the answers i needed, but i dont want lead you wrong, please pm me, i would love to talk to you. i am 17 weeks along with my first baby,(i know im ancient) but have been struggling with addiction, if it wasnt for this forum God knows where i would be . please be strong and take it from someone who was hopeless, you can do it, and we will help you every step of the way.

sandi

[cathy5841]

hi hun, i dont have the answer to your qustions.  but i have heard you can not go cold turkey pregnant.  it is dangerous.  we have a nurse here on the forum..1234betterlife.  send her a pm she works in ob/gyn as an RN.  she is great and so willing to help.  send her a pm and she will get back to you.  i will alson message her and tell her you are looking for her.  you can get through this.  its not easy but you can do it.
cathy