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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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How Does A Doctor Check For Drug Use In A Woman Who Has Just Given Birth?

If a doctor suspects drug use in a woman who's just given birth, how does the doctor check for that? I've heard that they scrap the placenta? Is this true? If so, how much information can they find out by doing that, eg. How far back was the drug use, how high are the drug levels, what type of drugs were used, ect....? And, is that legal for them to do that without your permission?
posted on Wed, 19 Feb 2014
Twitter Wed, 19 Feb 2014 Answered on
Twitter Thu, 20 Feb 2014 Last reviewed on
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OBGYN,  's  Response
Hello, I would be happy to help you with your question.

This is either checked by testing the Mother's urine or the fetal stool (meconium). They do not test the placenta. If there is reason to suspect drug use during pregnancy, once the child is born, they can be tested without your permission in most states in the US. If they were to test your urine, then they would need your permission. The meconium can show drug exposure going back weeks to months. If there has been drug use during the pregnancy, it is far more advised to be honest with your OB Provider than to consider trying to hide anything.

I hope that this helps and good luck!
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How Does A Doctor Check For Drug Use In A Woman Who Has Just Given Birth?

Hello, I would be happy to help you with your question. This is either checked by testing the Mother s urine or the fetal stool (meconium). They do not test the placenta. If there is reason to suspect drug use during pregnancy, once the child is born, they can be tested without your permission in most states in the US. If they were to test your urine, then they would need your permission. The meconium can show drug exposure going back weeks to months. If there has been drug use during the pregnancy, it is far more advised to be honest with your OB Provider than to consider trying to hide anything. I hope that this helps and good luck!