a birthmother took heroin for 1st two weeks of preg and once in last trimster. How much damage to the unborn?

Question:

My wife and I are weighing in on whether to adopt from this birthmother.. We've been through infertility treatments for 2 and half years. This is a tough decision.. We are aware of the potential for low birthweight and addiction..

Answers:
If that was really all she took, I think chances are pretty good that the baby will be fine. Talk to your doctor about this. Some babies who have been exposed to drugs and alcohol all throughout a pregnancy are born perfectly healthy -- it's impossible to predict.

There's a really wonderful book out there written by Dan Savage which is about his own adoption of a drug-exposed baby. It's called "The Kid." You might want to look for it. Here's a link to the book at Amazon.com: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0452281768/sr=8-1/qid=1153077383/ref=sr_1_1/104-0857987-8052758?ie=UTF8

My concern about the birth mother at this point, though, would be that she may not actually have told you the truth about her drug use. Most heroin addicts find it REALLY hard to quit, and if she's telling you she was sober for 9 months after that first week, I'd be a little suspicious of that. But talk to your doctor about what the real risks might be. And definitely look for Dan's book, as I think you could really get a lot out of it.

Other Answers:
there is no way to predict this. you will just need to take your chances that the b/m is telling the truth on the amount of drugs used.

Its all a gamble. Some people can do everything under the sun and have a perfectly normal baby. I personally wouldn't risk it. Is this woman your only option? You should consider someone else. it depends on how much she used. I know of a famous musician named Courtney Love, you might know of her. She used quite a bit of heroin in her first tri-mester and possibly afterwards. Her baby ended up fine. In the first weeks it does not really affect the baby, in the last however it will. But if she used a little amount, it should be fine. The child will need to be observed. If it is still an infant, then he or she will most likely need to have withdrawls with methodone. The baby will scream and kick as if it was a normal adult going through this.

DON"T DO IT!! You'll only end up with heartache, regardless!
Keep looking for another infant to adopt. Don't ruin your lives taking a chance on a baby that has so many potential problems! You should take the chance. Every Child needs a warm home, and when the baby comes to you its your child! As long as the baby is healthy enough to come home. After a while the baby will be normal, like every other child. Don't be afraid you know your heart will make the right decision! Good luck, what were you thinking for names?

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a birthmother took heroin for 1st two weeks of preg and once in last trimster. How much damage to the unborn?

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