Pregnant and scared :(

[cstarbright]

I am almost 10 weeks pregnant I am 27 a first time mom.I am scared to death because I have lupus am on Medicaid because of my pregnancy. When I found out I was pregnant, I immediately went to the doc. I had to quit both my antidepressant and anti anxiety meds cold turkey after taking both for over a year...I was stressed to the max dealing with everything,I was hurting from my Lupus pain.I had incredibly bad morning sickness and no appetite. I may have done the wrong thing but I began smoking small amounts of Marijuana in order to ease my pain, anxiety and to help me eat in order to stay healthy. I did NOT know that for my next doctor's appt. they tested me for all drugs, of course it came back positive, the doctor gave me my results w/o saying anything but now I am even more anxious than before my stomach is in knots. I have never been in trouble for anything in my life. I don't drink, smoke cigarettes,or even consume caffeine.I am going into see a new Dr. @ a different place...will they be understanding if I just explain to them why??? I don't want to have legal problems with my child. I am a good  person, I just hope they understand. advise anyone???

Edited by cstarbright - 11/12/11 at 7:37pm

[CA Country Girl]

I don't know where you live, but I really don't think that Dr.'s generally report Marijuana use.  I don't think it would be different because you are on medicaid.  Your medical record is confidential.  They may advice you to try to ease your pain and anxiety another way, but that will probably be the extent of it.  I know of doctors (granted in VERY liberal towns) that have even advised small amounts of marijuana to ease nausea for those losing weight to serious morning sickness.  It is definitely less dangerous to the fetus then some other (legal) drugs that people take while pregnant.  That said, if you can find another way, THC does cross the placenta and it is probably preferable to avoid it.

[cameragirl]

I would ask that the OB send you to a perinatologist if they haven't already. They will go over pregnancy care with lupus, medications, etc. While cannabis is likely safer than a lot of the meds available for autoimmune diseases, Medicare tests patients, and often without their consent or knowledge. (I won't get started on how much that pisses me off as a mom managing a serious disease and pregnancy...but anyways.)

As far as the positive test, I would recommend managing the symptoms with something else if possible. If you are clean, the future tests should come back clean as well. At this point, it wouldn't cause the baby to test positive at birth. However, they often test the meconium of babies on Medicare, and smoking after 20 weeks or so could cause a positive fecal test. The laws as far as reporting and how CPS responds varies from state to state. I would recommend looking up the laws and regulations in your state just so that you're informed.

[forestmushroom]

I agree it really varies state to state.  But honestly, that is a one of the uses of MJ, and if you are honest with a doctor. But then I have always lived in state more liberal with a higher amount of MJ use. 

Don't worry-- just get the medical care you need. 

[cstarbright]

I live in the state of Illinois and the exact way you are dealt with is hit or miss here, as far as how open minded people are. Smoking marijuana to help with severe pain and morning sickness seems like such a minor thing compared to even smoking cigarettes when pregnant.It is so frustrating when people judge you when they do not know the extent of my pain and anxiety.