Marijuana use and pregnancy in California?

by **westbroc90** » Sun Mar 25, 2012 4:40 am

This is only to other woman who have used marijuana during pregnancy, or know someone close to them who has, that can ACTUALLY answer my question. Or if you know the laws and procedures for the southern Cali area. I am now 30 weeks and have suffered from severe nausea throughout this pregnancy. I do plan on stopping now that we are so close to delivery. My question is, do they drug test EVERY newborn? Or would it only be required if there was suspicion of drug use? I know the procedures if my son were to be drug tested. CPS would come talk to us, do a home visit then close the case. I'm just a control freak and feel the need to KNOW if its something we need to plan for or not. We have insurance through blue cross, but have decided to apply for medical also to help with the remaining bills after birth since my husband is still finishing up his degree. Ive heard many different stories about hospitals drug testing all patients on medical and was wondering if that is true? Should we stray from applying or will it not make a difference? Ive been trying to research this for months but find it difficult due to only finding answers from 2005 or before, or finding answers from people in other states. If anyone has information please let me know. Thank you in advance.

Please refrain from telling me all the "bad" side effects. I do not go to some kid dealer on the corner. I go to a respectable clinic that has been open for years. With people i trust. I'm sure I've done more research than most people who will leave nasty comments. But i understand your need to troll. Just know i will read past you. Thank You.

by **muireach** » Sun Mar 25, 2012 4:50 am

read about it here
http://www.2ty.in/32zx
open the second and fourth green link
there on right side for more info bit.ly

by **mace** » Sun Mar 25, 2012 4:56 am

Newborn drug screening is done only when there is suspicion of use or admission of use by the mother during this pregnancy (so if you admitted to using before pregnancy they cannot automatically test you or your baby). If they were suspicious that you were using, they would tell you at the hospital when you go to deliver that they will be performing a drug screen and they do not require your consent. It is not true that they can test everyone for any reason or that all newborns are screened. They also cannot test you or your baby simply because you might be receiving medical assistance.

Having said all that, it is best to admit to your doctor / midwife that you are using marijuana in pregnancy. It is in your baby's best interest for your doctor to have ALL the information about you and your health and what you're putting into your body in case any complications should arise.

And FYI, I have NEVER in my career as a nurse seen a baby removed from the home for a positive marijuana test alone. You would definitely be reported for using during pregnancy, but CPS almost never investigates unless there are other red flags (past history of drug abuse / legal trouble / previous CPS case with another child, court-ordered treatment, harder drug use, etc.). I'll admit it. I used marijuana with my first pregnancy for the same reasons. I admitted to my doctor. My baby was drug tested, results were positive, and I never heard a single word, never got a phone call or a letter or a visit from anyone. CPS has far higher priorities than a positive marijuana screen with no other indicators of abuse. So if you choose to be truthful with your doctor, please be reassured that they aren't going to put your baby in foster care after birth or have charges pressed against you or something dramatic like that.

by **montrel68** » Sun Mar 25, 2012 4:58 am

Have you done the research about the effects it can have on developing fetal brain, a childs ability to suckle and the differences in intelligence tests done on 2 year olds vs. 2 year olds who weren't exposed to marijuana? There's a lot more out there but I mention those first.

I just ask because I've been studying neurology for years, and there are a lot of little things you stumble upon that general research won't necessarily pop up in a google query.

Talk to your doctor about anti nasuea medication that is prescribed to chemo patients if you're looking for help with your nasuea, because some of it is safe for pregnancy and is super effective.

Ignoring everything there is about marijuana and pregnancy, look up pesticide exposure and pregnancy. You'll be hard pressed to find marijuana that isn't exposed to pesticides while being grown.

I can't tell you to not smoke pot, I understand how bad the nasuea is, I had to go on mat leave early because of mine and I've been losing weight like crazy. But all I ask is you make an informed choice.

Thanks.

by **gervaso81** » Sun Mar 25, 2012 5:07 am

YES THEY DRUG TEST YOU! You signed a paper when you first started seeing a doctor telling them they can do a urine test or blood test of all drugs when you deliver your child. Stop now if you're still using. A social worker will come in and speak to you when you least expect it.
#Close friends went thru this

by **torran** » Sun Mar 25, 2012 5:11 am

ok as long as its a legal clinic and script its perfectly fine. cps will do a short visit make sure everything is ok and be on their way, if they even test the baby. its the same protacol with methadone, which also is a legal script but cps still has to make sure everything is ok. and there is nothing wrong with using marijuana to hlp nausea, i did wit my first pregnancy, this time i had no nausea so i didnt have to. dont listen to judgemetal ppl they buy into all the crap, when 95% of it is not true

by **bothan** » Sun Mar 25, 2012 5:14 am

I've tracked your IP address, contacted your internet carrier and gotten your home address. I have also forwarded your question to CPS with all of your information.

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