Tramadol abuse during pregnancy

[vadaniasrain]

Apprehensive as I am to post this, I feel it may be my last chance to get any answers on my problem before I have my baby. I have been addicted to Tramadol 50mg throughout my entire pregnancy and am very close to delivery (35wks). My attempts to taper or quit this medication have failed miserably and I am afraid now it may be too late. I think the effects of the withdrawl to the baby will be more detrimental to the baby at this point then staying on the med. I take between 10 and 18 pills a day. The guilt is eating me alive, as I believe it should. My question right now is how bad can I expect it to be after I have the baby. I don't care what I go through, but I want to know what will happen to my baby. Will she have withdrawls? Will she have seizures? Will she die? Should I breastfeed if she is able to? I'm not sure if I am going to be able to live with myself if I have hurt my baby. Any answers here would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

[Melka76]

I am sorry you are going through this as addiction is hard.  If you are honest about you do not care what happens to you and you only care what happens to your baby - you must tell the drs and hosptial so they can have the NICU drs on hand for delivery.  They will be able to be prepared to help her withdrawal easier but yes.. I am fairly sure she will have withdrawal symtpoms.  I am on a prescription for pain and I take it once a day if that and I am told she may go through withdrawal .... my drs and even my pharmicist remind me to tell them when I am going into labor about the meds so they can help her as best as they can.  Good Luck

[marthap]

You should talk to a real doctor for sure, I wish someone would answer you. I am on Subutex and pregnant, and from what I have read you should NOT breastfeed while on opiates, as they pass through to baby. You need to get into recovery of some kind, since you were unable to stop before or during the pregnancy, which is a sign of addiction. Your baby will probably have withdrawals, but you MUST notify the hospital so they can treat him or her, otherwise, it could be dangerous. However, if they know, then you will both probably be just fine, and you can put this ordeal behind you. I am not sure about the legal ramifications of telling them, but your baby's health is more important than some legal red tape, as you seem aware. Best of luck to you both!