Page 2 | Do midwives drug test uk

Ok56 · 2021-12-17T12:52:27+00:00

Do midwives drug test at every appointment? And also if they did would they have to tell you? In the uk

Sleeplessem · 17/12/2021 13:45

Never crossed my mind that it could be a thing, why are you worried about it? Have you been taking drugs during your pregnancy?

They don’t routinely test for drugs, they will ask you as part of your booking appointment if you smoke or have taken any illegal substances but this is just to make sure you are adequately risk assessed. I’ve never said yes to those questions so I don’t know what happens if you say yes…

uhohspaghettiohh · 17/12/2021 13:46

You won't get a different answer. Do the right thing and tell your MW!!!

drugaddictedbaby · 17/12/2021 13:51

No, they don't test for drugs without your consent.

However you need to tell your midwife exactly what you are taking, how much you are taking, where you are getting it from and when you last took anything. There are specialist teams out there that can support you, OP. In my area we have a substance misuse midwife who I have personally met.

Caring for a baby going through neonatal abstinence (drug withdraw) is not like standard baby care. I've been there. It depends on what has been taken during pregnancy but it's glaringly obvious at birth if a baby has been exposed in utero and blood tests will tell medical staff then exactly what. And then the questions will start. Different drugs need different tapering regimes so the first question will be WHAT have you taken as opposed to have you taken anything?

Before I get pilloried for it, the baby I am referring to above was a family member's baby and I was in a position to be able to care for them so they came to me.

There is also a thread in classics by a poster called EMIN (I think). Sadly the poster died but she was a specialist foster carer caring for a baby with multiple drug withdraw.

TheVolturi · 17/12/2021 13:52

Fucking hell, I hope they do test at every appointment because if a pregnant mum is using drugs then they need to know. Ffs.

AgathaMystery · 17/12/2021 13:54

No. Midwives do not test for drugs. What we can do though is offer you genuine support if you disclose that you’ve used some drugs.

We have more clout than anyone when it comes to rehoming you, so if you need to be rehomed to help you stop taking drugs, to move away from your dealer, we can help with that. We can introduce you to a social worker and a Heath visitor and all work together to support you.

We can get you some decent rehab if you decide you don’t want to take drugs anymore. We can find you a peer supporter through NA or another support group.

If you decide you’re not ready or able to stop taking drugs, We can come with you to an appt with a neonatologist so we can make a plan for helping your baby withdraw from drugs. If you are under 21 We can even help you live with a family who will support you in your pregnancy and beyond.

Lots of babies withdraw from drugs. Some women need to take certain medications on pregnancy and neonatal nurses are really good at caring for those babies. There are lots of reasons why babies withdraw - it happens. There is no need to hide it, it only hurts the baby.

If you are open and honest with your midwife you will get support. No one will remove your baby if that’s what’s worrying you. However, some drugs can really really damage a baby, so if you can tell your midwife, please do.

Good luck to you OP.

Lacedwithgrace · 17/12/2021 13:55

They don't test but they will find out. Please let them know so they can support you now, before it's too late. They won't take your baby away or cause any harm if you let them help you

MatildaJayne · 17/12/2021 13:57

There are specialist substance abuse midwives, OP. They will support you to have a safe pregnancy. Just tell them.

Soubriquet · 17/12/2021 13:58

link to EMIN thread

Please read this OP and tell me, do you want your baby to go through this?

QuestionableMouse · 17/12/2021 14:03

You need to tell them for your own safety too- if you need prescription meds, they need to know to avoid any bad interactions.

2bazookas · 17/12/2021 14:22

Your baby is a separate person. If there are tell-tale signs of your drug use in his development inside you , or his physical symptoms during delivery, or after delivery, he will get drug tested and you are the only source.

They don't need your consent to drug test the baby after birth ; the criterion is his medical need. The effects on your baby could give you away. So your drug use won't be secret any more.

Far better to tell the midwife now so they can help you and your baby and reduce potential damage to him.

AnotherOneWithNoGoodName · 17/12/2021 14:30

They don't.
But whats more important- the health and welfare of your baby, or "being found out"?
Because they will find out if your baby is born and is withdrawing from illegal drugs. Better to tell them now. And get help so that you can be shown to be trying to do the best for your child.

supersonicginandtonic · 17/12/2021 14:31

OP what drugs are you taking? There is plenty of help and support out there for you , it's all confidential and non judgemental but you need to be open and honest with the professionals. Not only for the health and welfare of the unborn baby but also for yourself x

Bluntness100 · 17/12/2021 14:47

Surely op you recognise the issue isn’t if you’re caught drug taking but if your baby is being or has been impacted so needs support. As such, I’m sure you want to tell your midwife so your baby can have the best chance of being born healthy with no abnormalities. Right?

Seafog · 17/12/2021 14:50

Be honest, get help

Yummypumpkin · 17/12/2021 14:52

@rainbowandglitter

Why do you keep posting this?

Because she's on drugs

Wingingthis · 17/12/2021 14:53

Please tell your midwife; they are there to support you & your baby and you won’t be in trouble for seeking help to stop. If you dont seek help & hide it then I’m unsure what they do but PLEASE tell them
For your baby please

peachgreen · 17/12/2021 14:56

@AgathaMystery

No. Midwives do not test for drugs. What we can do though is offer you genuine support if you disclose that you’ve used some drugs.

We have more clout than anyone when it comes to rehoming you, so if you need to be rehomed to help you stop taking drugs, to move away from your dealer, we can help with that. We can introduce you to a social worker and a Heath visitor and all work together to support you.

We can get you some decent rehab if you decide you don’t want to take drugs anymore. We can find you a peer supporter through NA or another support group.

If you decide you’re not ready or able to stop taking drugs, We can come with you to an appt with a neonatologist so we can make a plan for helping your baby withdraw from drugs. If you are under 21 We can even help you live with a family who will support you in your pregnancy and beyond.

Lots of babies withdraw from drugs. Some women need to take certain medications on pregnancy and neonatal nurses are really good at caring for those babies. There are lots of reasons why babies withdraw - it happens. There is no need to hide it, it only hurts the baby.

If you are open and honest with your midwife you will get support. No one will remove your baby if that’s what’s worrying you. However, some drugs can really really damage a baby, so if you can tell your midwife, please do.

Good luck to you OP.

OP, if you only read one reply, please make it this one.

MNHQ

JoMumsnet · 17/12/2021 16:07

Thanks for your reports about this thread. We can see that the OP's already deregistered her account (again) so we're going to close this thread now.

We'll take this opportunity to link to the NHS guidance on illegal drugs in pregnancy.

If you take drugs, it's important to let your midwife know and to access the help available.

Do midwives drug test uk

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