Please Help

[linzylee]

Hello Doctor. I'm writing this for a friend who is too scared to ask for help herself.  She just discovered that she's pregnant today. Her last period began on January 21 (today is March 8.) Before today, she didn't believe she was pregnant because she was using contraceptives, has an irregular period, and was not experiencing strong symptoms. But now that she knows that she is pregnant, she's very, very scared because she hasn't been taking very good care of herself. She ate sushi one time, took NyQuill one time, and smoked quite a lot of marijuana (2-5 very small joints per day) to help ease anxiety. Now that she knows she is pregnant, she is VERY serious about becoming healthy, but she's horrified about any damage she could have already done, especially from the marijuana. I'm really scared for her too. Do you think the baby is likely to be OK if she changes her habits and absolutely stops smoking immediately? She's uninsured and looking for a place to receive medical attention. she's married and she really wants to keep the baby IF it is not at high risk to have serious damages, but is considering abortion if the risk for harm to the baby is very high. I tried researching on the internet and found so much conflicting information and it only made us both more afraid.  I want to give her realistic comfort about what is most likely to happen. i know research is limited but I'm interested in an honest medical opinion about her chances for a healthy pregnancy, and ways that she can increase her chances for a healthy baby. I know you can't answer yes or no, and I know she needs in-person health care, but I would really just like to put the situation into some kind of perspective. How serious are the risks that she's facing, and what would be your personal suggestion about her best option?

[Yao Sun, MD, PhD]

The first thing your friend should do is find an obstetrical clinic that will help her apply for medical coverage.  Clinics that help people without current medical coverage exist in every state.  She might start by asking for referrals at her local hospital's Obstetrics department.  If the Obstetrical department is not helpful, she might try to contact the Social Work department to get referrals.

The obstetrical clinic will evaluate and monitor the baby and help your friend make decisions throughout the pregnancy.  Decisions about termination of the pregnancy can definitely wait until a more thorough evaluation and discussion takes place.  For now, your friend should concentrate on staying healthy and getting evaluated as soon as possible.

[linzylee]

Thank you so much for replying.