This is an extremely controversial issue for sure.
My understanding is that standard protocol is to wean the baby from the drugs following birth. I'm sure it changes from situation to situation. You are kind of in between a rock and a hard place. By quitting now and enduring withdrawal, you're likely to not be able to properly care for yourself for several days or a week. You might not be able to eat. You might become extremely dehydrated from diarrhea. Your pulse and blood pressure may rise significantly.
If you plan well and conduct your withdrawal over the course of a week, I'm sure it can be done without causing serious harm to the baby.
On the other hand, you can give birth with your infant dependent upon Opiates. It's become so common in modern times that there is a pretty standard way of withdrawing infants. It's generally considered to be safe and effective without lasting damage of any kind. As someone who knows nothing of medicine, I can only imagine that a fetus literally coming into this world and growing itself with Opioids coursing through them will have some effect. The problem is, we really don't know. Could it make them more susceptible to Opioid addiction later in life, as if hard-wired for it? We do not know, but I don't think it's a stretch to assume some effect.
I really believe the smart thing would be to taper over the course of a month. This will give your infant plenty of time in the womb free of Opiates and will also allow you to better maintain your health for the sake of the baby by avoiding withdrawal.
Many will say that withdrawal is linear. The more you do, the worse it is. There is definitely truth to this, I know, but I feel this often causes us to forget the difficulty for folks who have never used Opioids like Heroin or Fentanyl. Pretty much any person, Codeine or Fentanyl who has used chronically, is going to describe withdrawal as a hellacious, mentally and physically trying experience.
My advice would be to taper over the course of a month. I respect your resolve to end this here and now, but many have failed in these efforts by biting off more than they can chew, If you strategize your immediate withdrawal and fail, that is more time lost in trying to solve the problem. I believe a month taper is the best of both worlds. I feel this is your most realistic chance for success.
I always advocate for slow and low on the tapers. As slow as possible. Cut your dose in a linear fashion based on the number of days in the month. Make steady and gradual decreases.
Your doctor can help advise you regarding help with medication, which is recommended. If you have questions regarding what we use, I would encourage you to search around. Your case is analogous to anyone else trying to get off Opiates, so it's all incredibly valuable information.
We've got your back on this. We know how important this is for you. If you want to talk to any of us directly, just message us. Otherwise, make use of our forums and post here with any questions. Good luck
