do sperm with methadone in it cause a fetus to be retarted at conception?

Question

when i recently found out that i was pregnant, i thought i'm going to have this baby dispite me being unprepared for it. My excitement turn to tears when my mother in law, fiancee and father told me not to have this baby. They say the baby will be born with mental retartation due to the fact that my fiancee is on both xanax and methadone. i dont see how if im on no drugs, the baby will not be normal and healthy, they also stated that the reason the baby will be born this way is because the sperm is full of those drugs. According to them, the moment the baby was concieved, it had those drugs in its developing body. Is this true? the last thing i wish to do is abort this child due to my religious believes. Please provide me with answers. im completely and utterly DEVESTATED! Help.

Answer 1

I'm not really too sure but I think you should speak to your doctor about this one. from what I've heard it really depends on how much he was taking in a day. But just remember people have babies every single day that come out disabled and both the parents were completely healthy so I think you do have a chance of your baby to be healthy. Good luck to you and your in my prayers.

Answer 2

Okay, first SPELL CHECK SWEETHEART.

Xanax is not a concern because you are not on it. Methadone is an issue because it is related to heroin and means that the baby's father is recovering from heroin addiction....so A. He is not good father material and B. Yes his sperm could be affected by his drug abuse and yes the baby could have a genetic defect because of that.

However, as a social worker I have seen many babies who are born with no long term problems and their MOTHER'S were using while they were pregnant.

The baby does not have drugs it his/her system, however the chromosones received from your fiance's sperm may have defects that could cause the baby to have issues, one of which is retardation. Odds are the baby is ok, but you should tell your doctor and get the baby tested as soon as possible.

You should also consider why in the world you would want to marry a drug addict.....especially one so new to recovery and one with such a serious problem.

You don't have a mother-in-law if you aren't married.....you're devastated, the baby was conceived, and you have religious beliefs, and you're having a baby despite not being prepared for it....

Good luck and be sure you are financially able to care for this child.....I don't think abortion is an alternative either so get cracking girl! It looks like you're on your own.

Answer 3

That is definitely something you should ask your doctor. There are tests that can be done early before the baby is born to detect any abnormalities. I believe it's called amniocentisis. This test would be able to tell if there were problems and how mild or severe they will be. You would be better able to make a decision after that. I will certainly pray for you tonight. God Bless and let me know how you make out. I'm really concerned. I am a moather of 5 and can imagine how you feel.

Answer 4

If you are legitimately concerned about this, then go and talk to your family doctor and obgyn. They are truly the only ones qualified to help you and answer and questions and address and concerns that you might have.

if money is an issue with going to a doctor, then please at least go to a free clinic to get checkups and proper pre-natal care.

honestly? it sounds like your fiance and his parents are trying to talk you out of having this baby because they don't want it, not because they actually care for it's well being. i could be wrong, but that's just my first impression.

just go to a doctor and get professional answers. and God bless and best of luck!

Answer 5

I really don't see how it would affect the baby after it is born. Maybe while it is growing inside you, but you should definitely discuss this with your doctor.