On Jan 13th, 2008 Carol Sholiton wrote:

We have an expert with our organization/website that deals with opiates and pregnancy. She is awesome! If you need some help/info/support.....please stop by and check it out! There's also a wonderful support forum as well. smooooooch.......Carol

http://www.MethadoneSupport.org/Pregnancy.html

On Feb 10th, 2008 Julia LeGene wrote:

This is a very informative blog post. Unfortunately, an addict will not just stop using because they are educated. Many women use through out their whole pregnancy. Most addicts find it hard to believe that they could go one day without a fix. An addicted in active addiction will give up everything they love for that next fix or high. I know I did. No matter how much I wanted to stop I just couldn't. To normal people this sounds crazy. I believe that it is important for addicts to be understood. We can recovery together and learn from each others experience, strength and hope. We are not alone.

Julia
http://addictsdorecover.com

On Mar 11th, 2008 Amber wrote:

My sister is 18 and we think she is pregnant she is addictied to pain killers is there anything I can do to get her help

On Mar 26th, 2008 jamie lane wrote:

My name is jamie and i'm addicted to methadonme and vicodon. Ineed help fast i cant take it anymoe, om in so much pain that i cant stand it no more do you know what i mean please help me!!!!!!!!!

On Mar 30th, 2008 Unknown wrote:

I'm sad to read that some of you have an addiction but i wanted to let you all know that admitting is the first step, so your on the right path. My mother did crack for more then ten years and with the help of the ten step program and prayers she's finally been clean for two years. So if God can turn my mother around, and trust me she was out there in those streets bad. Then it is never to late for any of you. Just remember to get in a program and keep god first and he will make a way for you, you are in my prayers and may God Bless you.

On Jul 9th, 2008 wanieda wrote:

A variety of scientifically based approaches to drug addiction treatment exist. Drug addiction treatment can include behavioral therapy (such as counseling, cognitive therapy, or psychotherapy), medications, or their combination.

On Jul 13th, 2008 SYLVIA AT BORN FREE wrote:

THERE ARE MANY PROGRAMS IN-PATIENT AND OUT PATIENT THAT CAN HELP ALSO THE 12 STEP PROGRAMS AA AND NA HAVE HELPED MANY WOMEN OVERCOME ADDICTIONS MANY ARE COVERED BY MEDICAL OR ARE FREE

On Aug 31st, 2008 Sara wrote:

my names Sara and im 20 years old. Ive been addicted to heroin for a little over a year. I just found out that im pregnant and the last time I used was today BEFORE i found out. Im probably only a 5 weeks or less along and have no intentions on continuing to use. I am however extremely worried that ive already damaged the fetus. Since im not so far along do I have a good chance for a healthy pregnancy and baby? please someone respond. I am desperate for some help!!

On Sep 4th, 2008 jane wrote:

I am in the same boat as sara but i have continued to use. I am only using a small amount and not every day, i haven\'t decided weather or not if im keeping the baby but i want to know what the percentage of risk is if i decided to keep the baby, that is if i stopped using the drug right away, I am just over 6 weeks.

On Sep 7th, 2008 unknown wrote:

I live a secret life as a mother and have been addicted to pain killers for about 10 years. My husband would like to have another child and would love to give him this but I fear there may have been damage to my organs and i live with this every day... i know if I were to get pregnant I could stop......I would like to know~ if there is any damge to my liver or any organ and I stopped using hydrocodone and became pregnant would the fetus be affected still?

On Sep 7th, 2008 ania wrote:

i have done the same thing as jane. i don't think i should keep this baby because i am afraid i have damaged it. someone please, if you have any information please answer. im really afraid to talk to my doctor about this. i wish there was a number you could call for professional info anonymously

On Sep 17th, 2008 Kristy wrote:

In regards to Sara’s, Jane’s, and Ania’s babies, the effects of heroin on a baby are extremely detrimental to the fetus. Heroin is an addictive drug that goes into the placenta and to the baby. Due to the very addictive nature of this drug, the unborn baby can become dependent on the drug and suffer many other damages.
I am unsure of the percentage of having a healthy baby, but I do know that the first trimester, zero to fourteen weeks, are the most crucial weeks to the developing fetus. During this time, the infant will develop limbs and vital organs. During weeks one through four, the baby will develop neural tubes, the brain and spinal cord. These are two very important parts of the human body. Heroin can cause bleeding within the brain of the infant, intracranial hemorrhage, if used while pregnant. Since the brain is already beginning to develop in the first few weeks after conception your baby’s brain may have already been affected depending on the amount of heroin used. During week five, the infant’s heart begins to beat and the blood is now pumping. Arms and legs are beginning to form. The use of heroin can cause poor fetal growth, thus if used during week five it may have already affected the development of the baby’s limbs and heart. During week six the baby’s limbs further develop, there is more development of the brain, and the eyes, intestines and pancreas begin to develop. Heroin can also have devastating effects on these body parts.
Heroin use throughout the entire length of pregnancy can result in some very poor effects. Even though you have only used up to week 6, it probably has already hurt your baby. The first trimester is most crucial in fetal development. However, doctors do not encourage women who use heroin to attempt to stop suddenly because this may put the baby at increased risk of death. I suggest that you consult a health care provider or drug treatment center about what to do. They may suggest taking a drug called methadone. Babies born to mothers taking methadone may also experience withdrawal symptoms, however they can safely be treated in a hospital and they typically do better than babies born to women who continued the use of heroin.
Other risks of heroin on a baby may depend on the way in which it is taken. If you inject it into your muscle or vein, you may be at an increased risk of having HIV, which can further harm your baby. In this case you may require further treatment.
Most babies born from women who use heroin suffer from withdrawal symptoms after birth, such as fever, sneezing, trembling, irritability, diarrhea, vomiting, continual crying and occasionally seizures. These babies also are at increased risk for sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). About fifty percent of all babies of heroin users are born with low birth weight. Many are premature and have breathing problems and are at increased risk of lifelong disabilities, such as learning and behavioral problems.
It is difficult to say how much your baby has already been affected, but I do suggest talking to your doctor immediately. He or she may suggest starting treatment for you and your developing baby. Also depending on your beliefs they may suggest the possibility of an abortion. It is very important to be honest with your doctor because they need to know the best way to begin treatment for you and your baby. There is still hope to have baby, but you must seek care immediately.

On Sep 24th, 2008 samantha jane byrne wrote:

have discovered this week that my 19 year old daughter has been smoking heroin for about 2 months and has discovered she is 6 weeks pregnant. she has informed me today that her doctor has told her to continue smoking it until they get her a bed in a detox unit, this could take 2 weeks!!!!!!!!! surely that cant be right

On Oct 14th, 2008 Friend wrote:

My friends boyfriend was doing drugs when they conceived. She is afraid this will affect the baby....what are the chances/statitics related to birth defects related to the father doing drugs?

On Nov 3rd, 2008 Bryon Ward wrote:

Jamie Lane...email me right now!!! This is Bryon from Jonesboro!!!!

On Dec 8th, 2008 Laura Lou wrote:

okay i'm sure we all know or will know by now that the first trimester in your pregnancy is very crucial to the fetus...but also for alot of people they dont find out that they are pregnant until later on..i'm a mother of 4 and soon to be 5..i was only 16 when i found out i was pregnant with my first..i was very irresponsible and i did cocaine,marijuana,acid,and drank daily!! Daily people!! and i didnt find out that i was pregnant until i was 10 weeks!! and she came out healthy as can be..of course i stopped it all after i found out that i was pregnant but for the first 10 weeks of her most important development i was all messed up and addicted to drugs and alcohol...with my second child i was still immature i got a babysitter for my first on the weekends and i drank up until i found out i was pregnant with my second...and i didnt find out until i was 8 weeks with him..and he came out with no defects or anything...some people just dont know that early on sometimes and do stupid things..like drugs..but all you can do it stop once you find out that you are pregnant and hope for the best..take your prenatal vitamins and try to do whats right...if you go to your regualar visits at the docs and have your ultrasounds and eat right then that baby should be fine! come on now, there is no gaurantee that your baby is going to come out perfect no matter what the circumstances are before and during pregnancy..i have known people that didnt even smoke cigarettes and never drank or anything and had a sick child with birth defects and so forth...it just happens..stop while you can..and hope and pray that your baby will be fine..and as for the doctor telling the 19yr old to continue to smoke heroin for another 2 weeks, that is crazy!!! and un called for..there should be other help out there that they can offer her right away for that baby's sake and hers!! a friend of mine had a baby a few weeks ago and she was addicted to lortabs and other pain pills and continued to do them her whole pregnancy..and way too much if you ask me...and her 3 week old baby just passed away today!! and she cant figure out why.. but we all know why!! because of her selfish ways....stop while you can!! Thinmk of that baby!!

On Dec 18th, 2008 nicky wrote:

My cousin used cocaine, oxycoten, marijuana and painkillers throughout her pregnancy. The baby was removed from her care because she was still using and breastfeeding. She has done this 3 times. She refuses treatment and so far the new baby has tremors and cries constantly. I really don't know what to do. She is fighting in court to get the children back, even though neither her or her boyfriend can stay clean and use in the presence of the children. I am trying desperately to either get her help or keep these poor babies from her. I am disgusted by the way the court system works in our county (Crawford Cty PA) as they WILL give her the children back if she can pass 1 drug test. Any suggestions???

On Dec 22nd, 2008 Denise wrote:

my sister conceived a child with a male addicted to drugs, crank, coke, etc. My nephew is 13. He has disabilities with school and anger issues. He is currently being treated with adderal. This is just a bandaide.
What are other options? This has been very difficult on his parents. HELP????

On Jan 13th, 2009 steph wrote:

I was wondering if anyone knew the risk if your pregnant and your partner does heroin and than has sex with you? does this affect the fetus. also if he uses pain killers. does this do anything to your unborn baby? can anyone help me with this? i have been trying to find answers and i just have not come up with anything.

On Jan 15th, 2009 Ashley wrote:

I had been using heroin for 2 years when I discovered I was pregnant. The heroin messed up my menstual cycle so I didn\'t realize I was pregnant until my 3rd month. The guilt I feel was unexplainable. I didn\'t know what to do, no one was aware of my addiction, not even my babies father! I was afraid to tell my doctor for fear CSB would be involved and thoughts of losing my baby kept me from revealing my horrible secret. I continued using, trying to quit on my own, but the withdrawal was unbearable.
When I was 5 months pregnant I finally broke down and told my mom. She was crushed but also understanding. We went to different addiction specialist for answers. I knew friends that were put on methadone and wanted to find an alternative. I was admitted into a wonderful detox center. They put me on Subutex. I asked many questions and was told withdrawal symptoms are rarely felt by addicted newborns whose mothers were perscribed Subutex compared to mothers taking Methadone. I was also told Methadone has been around and studied a lot longer than Subutex which is why some doctors prefer to prescribe Methodone. I\'m currently 36 weeks pregnant and still taking the medication. I would strongly suggest anyone pregnant, addicted to heroin, after contaacting someone, ask if Subutex is an option. I was also told unlike Methadone, Subutex does not show up in your system as an opiate, so CSB would not be notified. However, if perscribed I still would recommend making sure your doctor is aware.
Doctors tell me my baby boy is healthy but I can\'t help but worry. I pray everyday for my son to be healthy. I feel for any and everyone who has an addiction. To anyone who seeking answers to help an addict, my advice is to be as understanding as possible. I know to someone sober addiction may seem unrealistic, quiting seems easy. Addiction is an illness and is extremely emotional. I know that the support I recieved from my mother help me so much. Try not to be judgemental, addicts are not bad, horrible people. Listen and help to a certain degree. There is a fine line between helping and enabling. I hope I have been of some help. God Bless.

On Jan 18th, 2009 Shelly wrote:

I'm so sad right now, I have a good friend that has become pregnant, knowing and also actively addicted to oxy and heroin. She doesn't share needles thank god and has been in a long term relationship with the same person. They use together. I currently go to the our local methadone clinic. I have begged her and broght her infomation from the clinic. She keeps making up more and more excuses. She was honest with the doctor as far as we know. But, addicts are also good liars. She said the doc told her not to detox while she was pregnant. (But i'm sure he meant cold turkey yuk detox.) He probably suggested weening off of it asap. That would be the only thing i could imagine him saying. Not just flat out saying don't detox cause that could kill the baby. I know personally that weening off of oxy sucks but is do-able...even pregnant because I did that too...then had a miscarriage and blamed myself till this day! What else can I do...I printed a bunch of info off the internet for her boyfriend to give to her. So I'm praying for the best. If you have any suggestions feel free to send them my way. Thanks so much!!! Shelly

On Jan 20th, 2009 Jessica wrote:

I have basically same question as you steph im pregnant idk how far yet cause i just found out but i also just found out my boyfriends been doing heroin behind my back and i heard it affects the fetus!! im really scared and dont want a child to have to deal with these issues all their life cause of it!! please help!!

On Feb 7th, 2009 Olivier wrote:

Hi, my name is Olivier. I have a niece who has 7 children at least 3 of which were born with addictions. I\'m not sure what my niece was taking at the time she had the babies, but I believe it was heroin, ecstacy, speed, sleeping tablets and maybe she had a go at ice. Her husband has now been incarcirated for break enter and steal using a deadly weapon and causing grevous bodily harm, and has received a four year sentence in Grafton Jail in NSW Australia. Two of the seven children born to my niece were born with chronic addictions to drugs. Two of them almost died at birth through being premmie babies and just because of their chronic addictions. My neice has now lost the care of her children through the department of community services here in NSW Australia and I just want to let everyone know what has happened to 2 of the babies born with drug addictions. One of them is completely unable to process ANYTHING in her head, she\'s failing at school, she\'s unable to take instruction and to be perfectly blunt it appears to have very noticeable brain malfunction, stunted growth, behaviour that is completely out of control, violent, beating into her siblings with hands feet and anything she can find to use as a weapon, and in fact is now causing them injury and putting her siblings at risk of being harmed, mamed or even worse. Her carers are her grandparents, all the children live with their grandparents and their behaviour is spirally out of control, and NO-ONE can do anything to help them. They cannot be physically disciplined because they are in the care of the Department of Community Services, and the little girl is so violent her grandparents are considering moving her out of their house and into foster care with other carers before she hurts her siblings or even her grandparents. Because only the babies born with drug addictions are the ones who have uncontrollable behaviour such as violence, anger, unable to take direction, defiance, smashing up rooms, breaking anything that is valuable and generally disrupting all the other kids, I have to believe that it has been caused BECAUSE they were born with addictions and no other reason.
Anyone have any response to my comment please feel free to leave it on this site.

On Feb 26th, 2009 jade wrote:

hi,
i am 32 weeks and been suffering from addiction since before pregnancy. it started with marijuana then i stopped because of frequent drug testing at prenatal visits. so i went back to an old addiction, pain killers, because it doesnt take long to get out of your system. im getting near the end and REALLY want to quit and would love to have someone understand and quit with me. i know it sounds stupid, its the internet, but i feel like its the only place i can speak this without as much shame. please, someone help me.
jjjjaaadde@gmail.com

On Mar 25th, 2009 Amber wrote:

I have quite of bit of knowledge around this area of narcotic use in women and also during pregnancy. I am a past user myself and currently work as a nurse in a program for pregnant women affected by substance abuse in a major hospital. The truth is that detoxing during the first trimester of pregnancy is DEFINITELY not advisable. It sounds strange and some of you may not want to believe that a doctor would actually tell a patient to continue to use but abruptly stopping, or in some cases even weaning off an opiate during pregnancy can cause miscarriage. The most advisable plan is to initiate the patient on methadone or subutex which is like suboxone but without one of the components which makes suboxone unsafe during pregnancy. If a patient wishes to safely wean off an opiate or her maintenance drug i.e. methadone or subutex, it is recommended to do so during the second trimester of pregnancy and in an inpatient setting closely monitored by medical staff. We do it in our hospital but very rarely due to the risk of miscarriage and most women would rather not go through the agonies of withdrawal and choose to wait until after the baby's birth to try and get abstinent. LUCKILY, all studies have shown that heroin itself DOES NOT cause any birth defects or abnormalities in the fetus. What does cause the problem is poor nutrition that addicts usually have, lifestyle choices, possible STDs or Hepatitis, the agents used in "cutting" the heroin, etc. I know, I know, most of you will scoff but it's the truth. The babies are usually born smaller, earlier and go through withdrawal which can range from no symptoms to mild to severe. However, the babies also experience these symptoms of methadone. The benefit is that the doctors and nurses can be aware of the dose the mother was taking and wean and treat the baby more effectively. Street heroin doses and potency vary and it's impossible to judge exactly how much the mother was using. Also, being part of a meth or subutex clinic ensures proper care during the pregnancy, a safer non drug-seeking lifestyle (we hope) and better overall health for the mother and baby. As I said before though, these babies are also born addicted, usually smaller and earlier but can be helped. My advice is to find a hospital in your area that has experience with addictions and pregnancy and where you will get the proper support and guidance. Not all hospitals or medical staff are created equal I fear and getting non-judgemental, up-to-date information and care are very important. The number one cause birth defects and long term problems in infants? Alcohol. Sad but it's legal and people would rather see a woman drink while pregnant than take an opiate when really, the alcohol is much deadlier and proven to cause all sorts of problems in pregnancy. Go figure. Education and information are the keys and unfortunately not enough people are open-minded or care enough to get the real facts and not make their own opinion or suppositions. So to all you women struggling with dependence issues and pregnancy - it can be ok. Be honest with a good doctor, make the right choice of treatment for you and most of all, try not to worry or feel shame. You are a strong beautiful creation of God's and so is the life inside you. Just get help and don't be alone.

On Mar 28th, 2009 Chasity wrote:

Ok, im sry it really pisses me off that you say you are addicted and you keep using.... I have two healty girls I was addicted to ecstacy which everyone knows can have coke, heroin, mdma, and other under the counter products. I was so bad off doing it almost everyday then I found out I was pregnant and everything changed, I knew it hurt to stop but my baby was more important to me then any drug. To think that a mother to be can do that to her unborn chld is upsetting and desturbing how dare you use excuse after excuse to try to make what you are doing right, its not. So stop being selfish and check into rehab REALLY. The day your baby is born is suppose to be the greatest day in a womans life not the worst when your baby comes out blind or deaf, or even have a problem that may result in death. For the ladies who are stopping as soon as you find out Good thats Great that yu have the ability not to be selfish im proud and everyone else is to if they knew of your problem. Keep up the good work!! :)One more thing if you use dont have unprotected sex and if you do you should always test before your expected period with one of the early tests just to be safe. Really girls there is not much I can say except if you are expecting its time to grow up how do u expect to take care of a child if you cant take care of yourself! Good Luck to all and have hope for yourself and your babies.

On Mar 30th, 2009 Heather wrote:

I am looking for an answer and I can not seem to find one. I just found out I am pregnant. Since then I have stopped taking drugs but for the first 6wks I was pregnant I either did heroin (less than 8x's) or subaxone everyday. Since I have stopped use of all the mentioned above, what are the chances my unborn child is already affected due to my actions of drug use???

On Apr 5th, 2009 Alicia wrote:

I feel so guilty! I am addicted to pain killers and am pregnant. I just found out like 3 days ago. I was shocked ny the news and have been abusing them even more. I am smoking cigarettes like crazy too. I am so stressed out and don't know what I'm going to do. I'm not sure if we are going to keep the baby, If we are I'm scared something might be wrong with the baby. I am taking suboxone now and I hope to GOD our baby will be healthy and normal. It's very early in my pregnancy so I'm hoping and praying things will be okay during pregnancy. It's hard getting off Pain Killers for me the Suboxone is helping but I can't stop thinking about it. I feel so guilty and like the biggest loser ever. I'm really beating myself up over this and being Bi Polar doesn't make it any easier. Ohhhhhhhh I am going to look for NA meetings and see if that will help. ANYTHING!