You know how, when you go to your prenatal appointments, the doctor asks if you do any illegal drugs? What if

Question

a person says yes? I mean, I know people who have done stuff all through pregnancy- I know if it's cigarettes or alcohol, they probably just get a lot of strong suggestions to quit. What if it's illegal drugs though? I mean, does doctor/patient confidentiality prevent any legal action? Do they refuse to treat? Or on the other hand, what if it was once, before you knew you were pregnant?

I just always see that and I wonder if people who are on drugs answer it honestly, and if so what happens.

Just to throw out a specific case, I know a girl who does speed on occasion- maybe once every two or three months. She doesn't consider herself to be a drug user because of the rarity- I'm sure she never told her doctor. Suppose she had?

For the record, I am neither on drugs nor (I hope) pregnant. I have 3 kids and was just randomly thinking about this the other day.

Answer 1

My doctor never asked me that... they just did urine tests for that and other things.
They won't try to get into legalities of the situation. Their concern is getting the mother off of drugs, not to get the baby taken away. They are required by law to keep results confidential unless the patient signs a release

Answer 2

There's a thing called doctor/patient confidentiality. Most doctors will not refuse to treat a patient because they've had a history of drug use --sporadic or not. It is the doctor's responsibility, however, to make it known that drugs are bad and to suggest the person stop doing it. A doctor has seen and heard everything. They will not be surprised by any answers, and it is best to be completely honest with them because they need to know your history in order to properly treat you. They are not there to judge you, but to help you.

Answer 3

Okay any drug that is illegal isn't safe during pregnancy. The dr would tell her the places to get help. And if she took it right before she went to have the baby they would refuse to give pain medication to her for her discomfort. Also they would have child protective services take the baby when it was born. Also your friend should have her baby taken away. That is wow disturbing to know she only did it every 2 or three months knowing she was pregnant. Anyway the ask due to the fact that they need to give you the rights you have and try to get you off the drugs so you don't have a crack head baby having withdraws when it's born :)

Answer 4

Before I knew I was pregnant I was doing a certain drug from time to time. At my first appointment, I told the doctor simply to ease my mind. They have to keep your information strictly confidential and they will give you a drug test every trimester. They don't have to know about it, but it's better if you tell them. Of course, I haven't touched ANYTHING since I found out I was pregnant and never will again. But, my doctor also said that you'd be very surprised at how many women continue their drug use throughout their pregnancy.

Answer 5

I think that it depends on where you live because I had a close friend who used drugs during her pregnancy. Her doctor turned her in to the authorities and Child Services got involved. She went through treatment during the pregnancy, but if she had refused and had tested positive or the baby was positive at birth, they said they would have to take the child away from her! Doctor/Patient privilege does not matter when you are a danger to yourself or someone else (suicide threat/murder threat/or in this case endangering the welfare of a child.)

Answer 6

I smoked pot everyday for 5 years, found out i was pregnant at 6 weeks so yes i smoked pot up until i was 6 weeks pregnant, and i no longer smoke it, i quit that day. Im not talking smoking a joint a day, im talking puffing on it all day long lol. Thats being honest right :) Like i said i no longer do it, but my hubby still does and he does it in the room im in but i have never had a contact high. I think im so immune to it lol. Theres nothing wrong with being honest with your dr. I am and its opened up so many more doors and hes always offered to help if i need it, but i dont, im doing just fine and i have no urge for it whatsoever

Answer 7

They ask this question to know what your child has been exposed to. Certain drugs have reactions to them and may cause defects. They also need to know if your child will need to go through detox after birth. They don't report you to any authorities. They are just looking out for the best chances for the child. They aren't judgemental either. They will offer help and counseling to the mother that's using.

Answer 8

The first visit is when they test your urine for illegal substances. Yes the doctor or nurse will ask. If you say yes they can offer help and in critical cases they can alert the police. Also a social worker will be assigned to you.

Your best bet is to quit using drugs so you don't harm your baby.

Answer 9

If someone is pregnant, they should not do drugs. There should be no reason for anyone to have to question answering the doctor on this. If you or someone you know is preg and are on drugs, you should stop before you end up with a crack baby!

Answer 10

She has wrecked her baby if she is doing speed whilst pregnant and the poor baby has to pay for her ignorance.

If the authorities find out she can be charged with child abuse, even though the child is still inside.

Did you not hear of the alcoholic pregnant woman who went to jail for years because she refused to quit drinking ruing pregnancy? Her child was born a mess.

BELIEVE ME: health professionals are NOT required to keep that sort of drug of alcohol abuse confident; they are bound by law to report it.