What will happen tomorrow when my friend tests positive?

Question

A good friend of mine is being induced at 5 AM, though it looks like she will probably go into labor before then. She has been a daily marijauna smoker for years, and continued using during her pregnancy. I have repeatly asked her to quit, even if only while she is pregnant. She still keeps smoking, and I know she smoked as recently as today.

As much as I am frustrated and concerned by her decision, I am also worried about what will happen at the hospital in the morning. Will they take her baby?

The "only" thing she will test positive for is THC and we live in Louisiana.

I am not excusing her actions, but at the same time my hearts breaks at the thought of her losing her child. I know it's too late to change anything, but she wants me with her tomorrow and I'd like to know what to expect.

I can't help but feel guilty because she is my younger sister's best friend and I know my sister is most of the reason she has continued smoking pot.

I am due in 3 weeks and we have gone through most of this pregnancy together- I think part of the reason I feel so bad is knowing if her child is taken I will still have to see her quite often and I will have my baby. We are both expecting girls. She lives in a duplex and the other apartment is where my sister lives so I can't avoid her.

I wish she would have just listened to me in the first place. The father of the child is eqaully upset and doesn't deserve this, but he has been trying to do the right thing and stay by her side.

I agree some action should be taken, but I am looking for imformation and FACTS about the law and what will happen, NOT OPINION. I also think that what she has been doing is wrong, but it is still sad as a friend and "auntie" to this child to think that she could be taken by Social Services.

Remember, the mother is not the only one who will suffer for this, there are a lot of close friends and family members who will be heartbroken. I am one of 2 or 3 people aware of the situation and I can't imagine how the grandparents will feel if the child is taken. This is part of the reason I want to know what will actually happen- if we know what to expect I intend to encourage her to let her family know so that hopefully they can get a chance to at least see the child or even stand up and take custody.

From what I understand drug testing is policy in hospital for the sake of the newborn babies. Does anyone know of a website where I could find information on any of this?

I am actually surprised by the reaction this question is getting. I, too, am upset by her actions but it's pot, not crack! I would never expose my child to it but I doubt marijauna is as dangerous as some are saying- I tried it as a teenager and I am now a happily married mother of a 2 year old girl, and 37 weeks pregnant with our second daughter.

The friend I speak of functions normally and no-one can tell she is daily smoker- I think that she would be a good mother (other than this lapse of judgement) but I am concerned that the law will prevent her from even having a chance.

If it were left up to me, I would put her on random drug testing and make her take parent classes, perhaps even weekly visits from a social worker to ensure she is taking proper care of her child.

kmennie- Thanks for the information, that's exactly what I was looking for, and I feel a lot better...

Now, does anyone know where I could find out what Social Services would do, just in case?

Her baby was born healthy this morning at 10:39 AM, she weighed 5 lbs, 12 ozs and was 18 inches long. So far there has been no mention of drug testing.

She is nursing well, and has told me she realizes how stupid she has been. She has also asked for me to help her out getting the hang of this mommy thing. (I have a 2 year old who I nursed for 18 months, not to mention that I am due for #2 in 3 weeks!)

Thanks for all of your answers, even the rude ones.

The girl is my younger sister's best friend, and is only 18. I think she just needed to see her beautiful baby to know that it was "real" and now she understands why I have been nagging her so much!

Answer 1

Okay -- first, why would she be tested?

Drug tests aren't routine anywhere I've ever heard of.

Since you're in the US:

"A survey of the 50 States and the District of Columbia found that no State currently has enacted legislation regarding testing."*

Even if she is tested, apparently it's not mandatory for them to report it in Louisiana:

http://www.pubmedcentral.nih.gov/pagerender.fcgi?artid=1580248&pageindex=3

Note "The prevalence rate of drug use by pregnant women in the United States has been shown to range from 7.5 percent to 11 percent."* Holy crap... Anyway, if it's that high, and everybody who got high didn't go home with their baby -- well, anyway, it's just not that common.

It's also just not that harmful:

"When adverse outcomes are found, they are inconsistent from one study to another, always relatively minor, and appear to have no impact on infant health or mortality."

http://www.mothering.com/articles/pregnancy_birth/birth_preparation/marijuana-side4.html

Edited to add:

This:

http://springfield.news-leader.com/specialreports/dominicjames/0820-Drugtestsa-160323.html

is interesting -- Mum tests positive, Mum swears she didn't toke, baby taken away. NB: Dix sounds like a dick, and it looks like the mother had, er, 'other issues.'

""The THC had nothing to do with her losing this baby," she said. "(The Children's Division) won't even talk to us when a mother has marijuana alone. That's a red herring.

"The marijuana may have been the nail in the coffin, but it was not the trigger. All the other stuff was the trigger.""

Scary:

"Within the past few years, many states have also begun testing newborns for drugs and terminating parental rights at childbirth if the baby tests positive. Such policies have a significant racial and class bias. There is overwhelming evidence that hospitals subject poor women and newborns of color to these practices at disproportionately higher rates. One positive drug test can send a child into foster care and force a mother to fulfill a reunification procedure that is often complex and onerous."

http://www.drugpolicy.org/library/factsheets/barriers/

That's not the first site that noted race and class issues. I hate to say it, but if her doctor doesn't suspect anything, and she's white and not too badly off, I doubt she has anything to worry about.

Independent observation that somebody here isn't going to like: whenever these questions come up (always from Americans!), the few people who say "Oh, yes, they always test for drugs! And they will take the baby away!" are people who can barely type. Which makes me roll my eyes and think: don't you realise you might be getting different -- and not terribly ethical -- pre-natal care because you're a sort of stupid-seeming teen-ager? Not a "nice" thing to say, but.

More on drug testing of newborns:

http://www.anellomedicalwriting.com/Writing%20Portfolio/Bioethics/Perinatal%20Substance%20Abuse/Testing%20of%20Infants%20for%20Controlled%20Substances.doc (MS Word file)

This:

http://www.dss.mo.gov/cd/info/memos/2006/34/cd0634.pdf (PDF file)

has a bit on what happens in Missouri if Mom's on drugs.

"Due to the drug exposure occurring during pregnancy, these reports are accepted as /referrals/ for a newborn crisis assessment. Per current policy, the workers are to respond to these referrals as emergencies, requiring the worker to assure the child’s immediate safety. Depending on the situation, this may consist of phone contact with the reporter or
hospital to confirm safety and discuss the plan for discharge or may require immediate face to face contact with the child."

("Reporter" = the doctor who is finking.) Note that, while scary-sounding, it isn't 'whisk baby off to the orphanage.'

And:

http://pediatrics.aappublications.org/cgi/content/full/100/5/e1

"Twenty-six (46%) of the 53 infants were returned to their mothers within 1 week of birth; 39 (76%) of the infants were reunited with some relative within the first month of life. At 12 months of age, 10 infants (19%) remained in foster care; however, none remained in foster care beyond 18 months...

In the well-baby nursery of Stanford University Hospital, a urine toxicology screen was performed on all newborns whose mothers met one or more of the following criteria: drug use in the previous year, no prenatal care or a few prenatal visits with many missed appointments, unexpected delivery of an infant outside the hospital, or abruptio placenta. Urine was analyzed by gas chromatography and mass spectrometry. Each infant whose urine tested positive for an illegal substance was reported immediately to the county social services department and placed in protective custody of the court, which meant that the infant could not leave the hospital without court approval."

Mom is frightened teen, Mom misses pre-natal appointments, Mom smokes one doobie; Mom loses baby? I'm disgusted. I mean, from reading the paper, I get the impression that these are mostly hard-core screw-ups, but.

Answer 2

At every prenatal visit, urine is taken. If she's a everyday smoker, they would of brought all of this to your pregnant friends attention at her very first visit. They would of warned her of the laws and the harm the THC could cause on the unborn child. Your friend must be on state aid. I have a g/f that was also on medicaid throughout her pregnancy and on the wall of this OBGYN's office, it stated "if your urine tests positive more than once for any illegal drugs" your prenatal care will be terminated immidiatley, she also had to sign a contract with the office, that she would not do drugs. I can't believe as much as I want to that nothing was said BEFORE. My g/f was a pot smoker and quit everything when she found out she was pregnant, and has continued her drug free life style and has a healthy 4 year old little girl now. (I went through the entire pregnancy with her, she's a single mom)

If nothing was said throughout her pregnancy, I doubt she's going to loose the baby. A social worker would have allready done a home visit with her and also warn her. What bothers me the most is I have a daughter who has cerebral palsy. I did everything by the book. I was a bartender for years, I quit that, quit smoking. Took care of myself and I have a 12 year old beautiful little girl, that was born with C.P. Women that do drugs while they are pregnant are selfish, immature. Don't take healthy children for granted. It's a gift. There are a million women that can't concieve that would give their left arm to be able to have a baby. There are a million women that have handicapped children that did everything by the book, and have handicapped babys, children, teens. Do you realise how selfish that is? I have to watch my daughter, cry because she can't wear the cute shoes that other girls are wearing. She's teased in gym because she runs funny, she comes in last place when she has to do a mile run. Her left side hurts when we go for long walks. We can't do alot of things other kids are doing at her age without having to sit down to take a break.

HEALTHY CHILDREN ARE A GIFT, NOT A GIVEN. Let her read this, because I'm crying so hard right now. I didn't do anything wrong. I pray that she can stop the pot smoking, that nothing is wrong with the baby. She probably will be able to take that precious child home. She has a second chance and don't screw it up. I don't mean to sound harsh, but she has to realise what the consequences could be. I truely hope that everything turns out ok. If they were going to take the baby away, they would of warned her. Shame on the DR's for not helping more, for not getting social services involved, recommedning counceling. It's all could of would of should of.

Good luck to you and your precious baby and be a good friend and talk to her and tell her there are people that really care and are saying prayers for her and hopefully the baby will be ok and your friend will grow up and take responsobility for her actions and her baby.

Answer 3

I don't know why they would test her. I've had 4 kids and never been drug tested when they were born. I didn't know that was routine. However, I don't believe smoking pot has nearly the same dangers as if she had been an alcoholic, as far as the baby is concerned. Most children are better off with their mother than in a foster home. I'm pretty sure they will release the baby to the father or a relative if the circumstances are right. I'm saying a prayer for all of you.

Answer 4

I work at a hospital lab and we have two types of drug tests. Medical and Legal. They test for the same drugs but have different consiquences. The Medical test is just for the doctor's needs. The test is confidential and can't be used for any other reasons. Legal tests are orderd by courts and have repercussions, to the results. If someone tests positive on a medical test they will not have to submit to a legal test. Why would they test your friend? They can't take her baby. She should stop using pot especially if she rents. Landlords can ask courts for legal tests, and then evict people based on the results.

Answer 5

hey, sorry to hear about the situation. My question is, Does her doctor know she's been smoking? If no, then there doesnt seem to be any reason for her to be tested. If it's a requirement and she is found positive, where I'm from they wouldnt take the baby immediately but it would definitely investigate. I dont know how things are done in Louisiana. You might wanna check their website. All the best

Answer 6

Wow this is a really tough situation... I understand you are worried about the baby's well being and it's great that you are working as an advocate for the child... that is what this baby needs. I am not aware of the laws in the US as I reside in Canada, all I can say is that I hope the baby is healthy and happy and mom learns that the baby needs to be given priority. If Mom keeps the baby please remain to be an advocate for the child and notify children's services if you feel the child is being neglected or abused.
Good luck

Answer 7

Unfortunately I must say that your friend should have been aware of the reprecussions of smoking while she was pregnant. If the state does infact take the baby; which they very well could and should. She compeletly deserves it. I know that it will be sad but what is even more sad is to think that that baby will continue to be exposed to that type of enviroment. Perhaps it will be a wake up call for her, she more then likely will have the child handed back to her but will have weekly visits paid to her by DCFS. My sister has had DCFS at her house several and I mean several times for other reasons. We live in the state of IL, so personally it is a lot harder then you think for them to uproot the children from there home. Her family will be also provided the option for temporary foster care. I wouldn't blame your sister, although she is not a possitive influence, but I can see not thinking very highly of her for that either. The fact remains is that she was mature enough to have made the baby, then she should have been mature enough to stop smoking. I have absolutely no sympathy for her. I know that you were bothered that some replies were harsh; but what did you expect when you put the question up. Your friend putting that baby in this type of situation to me is considered "Child Abuse". Good luck to you and I am sorry that the outcome may not be so pleasant for your friend.

Answer 8

ok well in texas you have a drug screening early on in the pregnancy and often if you are positive for any thing they will counsel you and offer help for addiction weed is all mental i was a daily smoker and dropped it right away with my first pregnancy this one i didnt even need to quit as it has been 2 years since i casually smoked a doobie at a party with friends with my first as i had smoked very early in the pregnancy the doctor talked to me because it showed up in my blood test they test at the hospital under suspicion sometimes but clearly there are a lot more serious things going on with mothers nowdays weed is not addictive so it will not cause detox or withdraws for the baby it is even better than cigs during pregnancy ''not condoning'' it causes ''hyperactivity and irratability ive heard'' and actually witnessed from a few kids who were pot babies but I have also heard it may not pass through the placenta and may not show up on a test they may not take the baby away as a matter of fact i dont think they will at all as there are dope babies who leave the hospital with mommy if she had a test early on they may check up but every state is different

Answer 9

Its not your fault she chose to jeopardize her babies health and hers.
If the father is acting responsibly, then he should get to take the baby. I am not sure about what they will do to her.....but I am sure if its detected, they will call social services and order a drug counciling program at the least. She will have to complete this in order to have her child back. But, the father may be able to keep the child with him.
I really hate she has done this. That baby knows her best and needs to be with her. But, she didnt make a responsible decision and put the childs interest first. Thats really sad.
I just hope the dope hasnt caused damage. Marijuana restricts oxygen levels in the lungs thence the brain causing the HIGH effect. When her oxygen level was restricted, so was her babies. Risk of brain damage from oxygen deprivation.
Truly sad.
Good luck to u.
I am glad u r the more responsible person in this scenerio.
Congrats hun. Hope ur baby is healthy and happy :)

Answer 10

I had a friend who did the same thing. They won't test her for it, unless it's ordered by her Doctor. As far as the baby is concerned, she should be okay. My friend's daughter is 2 and perfectly normal she had no problems at birth through now. Try not to stress yourself out over it, you will both be okay.

There have been women on cocaine,etc. who have had babies and taken their children home. Granted they stopped at some point during their pregnancy. (Watched a show on Discovery Channel about it)

Answer 11

Congratulations on being such a good, concerned "Auntie" - I just happened upon this thread after the fact and I applaud you for all your diligence in finding out whatever information you could as well as supporting and encouraging your friend throughout her pregnancy (and yours). Thank you for the updates, as well - I'm glad things have turned out well and I agree with you - it may just have taken seeing this precious little angel to bring your friend to her senses and make her realize there's now a reason to toe the line and take better care of herself. Guardian angels work that way, you know...and she's lucky to have two in her life - yourself and her new little one!